Yeah it was troublesome during the winter, when it got really cold it wouldn't start charging for 30 seconds or so and if the rear defrost was on it would barely charge and everything would be dim, when the ABS kicks in the lights pulse with the brakes and there is still a noticeable slight dim when the brake lights come on for a split second that I've never noticed with any other vehicle. It's a 1999 Blazer 4 door 4x4. Not sure if a bigger battery would help or what size it would have to be but it's very annoying and I don't trust it.

 

The reason i mention is it is because my brother has this civic and car was acting up he had a new optima yellow top batery and a new alternator and he would only get 12.69 volts at idle and 12.49 volts at idle with the lights on, but when he checked the voltage straight from the alternator it was 12.49 volts. i'm not sure how he fixed the problem though... your problem reminded me about his problem though, but his was at all time not just for 30 sec.

 

I too am looking to upgrade my alternator but i am looking at this one DB Electrical - S10 BLAZER TAHOE SUBURBAN 250 AMP HIGH OUTPUT ALTERNATOR 96-05 8237

I would think that it would fit your truck as well and it puts out 120 at idle then hits its peak of 250 amps at 1200 rpm.

 

That alternator would be nice, but for the setup that i have i'd be fine with the 160a. I don't have the money to purchase that alternator... thankas for the link though =)

 

is the correct one to get... For those who have the same vehicle as me, accordint to the site this link: DB Electrical - BLAZER 4.3L HIGH OUTPUT 220 AMP ALTERNATOR 01 02 03 8283

 

Do you know off hand how much a stock alternator puts out at idle? And I wonder if they know what a Blazer idles at? I mean its around 550 idling vs. like 750 for my Dodge. Is the charging wire the one on the back of the alternator that runs down to the starter? (That's where I was told it went anyway)

 

I'm not too sure how much the stock alternator puts out at idle, i think it was around 40 amps though, but i'm not too sure. if i remember correctly max is 100a. as far as the charging wire, i think the charging wire would be the one that runs from the back of the alternator to battery terminal +. might want to google it or something to confirm...

 

I just picked up an alternator from auto zone, i got one off a 2003 chevrolet silverado 1500 5.3l 2wd it's the "145a" I havn't bought the belt non of my local auto parts seem to carry gatorbacks. What have you guys exp. that doesn't slip or loosen up? Would i be good with 60in or should i go with the 60.5in? I have a/c...

 

I decided to order the goodyear gatorback. but i'm not to sure of the part number of the belt i need to get... would anyone happen to have the part number for the 60in lengrh and 6 rib for my 01 blazer 4.3 with ad244

 

I finally got my alternator installed and so far it's treating me good. I ended up going with the 03 silverado 5.3l from auto zone it's 140 with exchange. i cranked up the car audio system and had the headlights on and my voltage stayed at 14.35v couldn't do any tests with a/c on because it's not working properly, but tests were checked on battery (under hood) with dmm. Just thought i'd let ya peeps know. this is the remanufactured one too! =)