FZJ80 / LX450- Alternator Refurbishment or Replacement? (1 Viewer)

[bonestock]

I’ve got a 97 LX450 with just over 180k on the clock. It has a dual battery setup that uses a Redarc DCDC charger. I noticed on a short trip this past weekend via my Scangauge that the voltage often dips below 13.5V. By all accounts, the alternator is original.

My question is whether tis nobler in the mind’s eye to replace the brushes in the original or to order a new one. Not sure on the cost of OEM but I’d assume it’s silly.

Honestly, I’d like to keep the original alternator with new brushes but I don’t want to throw good money after good work.

Totally receptive to input that does not include “just go to the stealership and get a new OEM unit”. I just can’t afford it (probably).

Thanks in advance! (Picture for attention).

Edit: changed thread title to increase visibility

 

[Rifleman]

I'd first try putting a set of brushes in it first, it's a cheap, and easy fix, and with that many miles it's pass due.

 

[DivByZero]

I might be in the minority here, but I prefer a refurbished genuine alternator. I did upgrade the alternator on my HZJ80 from the 80A model to the 100A model though. Both Toyota genuine, but the higher output model wasn't standard on all models. Obviously you can get aftermarket alternators that give more juice, but I haven't bothered on a diesel in particular, where all the electrics are optional. I also just prefer to run Toyota genuine on everything unless there's a really good reason not to. For some things like the Snorkel there is a good reason, but I've never had problems with the Toyota alternator, so why change it?

 

[bonestock]

I didn’t realize there was a 100A model available. I’m on a pretty strict budget these daze and, as much as I’d like to, will probably cheap-out and try the new brush route.

 

[baldilocks]

Remember to replace the regulator along with the brushes, that’s mostly likely the problem anyway. I take long trips and find myself solo far from services. For that reason, I refurbished the alternator that was on my 93 when I bought it and carry it as a spare, probably unnecessarily, because I went to the dealer and paid $264 for a denso reman. That was 5 or six years ago.

I agree with your thinking about those aftermarket “high output” alternators. If you want more amps, install a bigger alternator.

 

[DivByZero]

Yep, there's 100A options out there. From the looks of it though, all the 100A builds are marked "ARL" meaning aussie spec, so it may have only been offered in Australia. There is quite a surprising list of different alternators out there though. Here are all the part numbers in the catalog:

FJ80:

27020-61034	50A
27060-61061	65A
27060-61090	80A
27060-61091	80A
27060-61100	90A

FZJ80:

27060-66010	50A
27060-66050	50A
27060-66020	55A
27060-66060	55A
27060-66030	80A
27060-66070	80A
27060-66090	80A
27060-66040	100A

HDJ80 / HZJ80:

27060-17010	55A
27060-17050	55A
27060-17150	55A
27060-17030	80A
27060-17170	80A
27060-17171	80A
27060-17220	80A
27060-17040	100A
27060-17180	100A
27060-17181	100A

Be aware that the higher output alternators can be physically larger and require different support brackets. I know this is true for the 80A vs 100A alternators on the HZJ80 for example.

EDIT: Cross-checked the Japanese catalog and confirmed the 100A alternators were also used there on some models.

EDIT2: And because I'm in a hotel room with nothing better to do, I confirmed you do need alternate brackets for any of the 100A alternators. Here are the part numbers:
FZJ80 - 16381-66040
HDJ80 / HZJ80 - 16381-17020
This is just the small bracket that fits on the top of the alternator. It's a cheap simple part that you could fabricate yourself if you needed to. If you're upgrading to the 100A alternator, you'll need this bracket or an equivalent. The bracket is readily available for the diesel models. I confirmed sources for the FZJ80 bracket in Australia too, but it's a bit harder to find.

 

[DivByZero]

And if anyone's interested, it looks like there's a 100A alternator for the FZJ80 on ebay from Australia that offers international shipping right now, for a reasonable price:

Toyota Landcruiser 80 Series Alternator FZJ80 05/90-09/02 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Toyota Landcruiser 80 Series Alternator FZJ80 05/90-09/02 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[bonestock]

Remember to replace the regulator along with the brushes, that’s mostly likely the problem anyway. I take long trips and find myself solo far from services. For that reason, I refurbished the alternator that was on my 93 when I bought it and carry it as a spare, probably unnecessarily, because I went to the dealer and paid $264 for a denso reman. That was 5 or six years ago.

I agree with your thinking about those aftermarket “high output” alternators. If you want more amps, install a bigger alternator.

Any idea what the regulator part number is for a 97?

 

[baldilocks]

Any idea what the regulator part number is for a 97?

No, I do not.

 

[DivByZero]

Your alternator should be 27060-66070. That would make your regulator part number 27700-66040. You'll probably find that's NLA, but there's a substitute 27700-75020 which is available. Partsouq show stock, or you can check with someone local.

 

[bonestock]

Thanks for all the quick replies here! Question: why would one spend the money buying brushes and a regulator when a rebuilt Denso is so cheap from Rock Auto? Am I missing something?

 

[MrMikeyG]

When someone starts throwing part numbers around, my curiosity gets spiked. One price I found for the 27060-66040 was $1400 and change and $112 shipping. That's getting near steering box money.

 

[DivByZero]

Thanks for all the quick replies here! Question: why would one spend the money buying brushes and a regulator when a rebuilt Denso is so cheap from Rock Auto? Am I missing something?

Well if you can get a genuine alternator that's already been properly rebuilt for a good price you can afford, I'd personally do that. You then have a spare on the shelf for a rainy day, which you can rebuild anytime you want, or use in a jam if it's still partially working (EDIT: unless it's a swap arrangement). I personally like to rebuild things myself when I can just for the experience. It's then one part of the car I know a bit better and can service myself more easily if and when I need to. If it's all about time and money though, a rebuilt part that's good to go which you can swap in and out in a few minutes is a no-brainer, as long as the price is good. Here in Australia I find it's harder to get stuff that's been remanufactured to a high standard for a good price, which means I'll usually do it myself, with a few exceptions (IE, the diesel injector pump).

 

[DivByZero]

When someone starts throwing part numbers around, my curiosity gets spiked. One price I found for the 27060-66040 was $1400 and change and $112 shipping. That's getting near steering box money.

I'm surprised you could find a new one out there at all these days. Most likely it's one of those sites that'll take your money first, then email you back saying "sorry, it's actually NLA". A used one from a wreck is the only place I'd expect to find this. I'm happy to be proven wrong, but I suspect they're only doing the 80A alternators from Toyota still. The 100A was niche when the 80s were in production.

 

[MrMikeyG]

It's on Amayama. I'm not going to go any further than the initial search.

 

[MrMikeyG]

Yowza! Regulator assembly 27700-66040 $207.99

 

[bonestock]

Is there a consensus on a Denso reman from Rock Auto?

 

[DivByZero]

Is there a consensus on a Denso reman from Rock Auto?

Well don't look at me, I wouldn't know them from a bar of soap, I'm on the other side of the world. If the question is about a remanufactured one vs DIY, well I've said my piece on that. In terms of whether that particular vendor is worth buying from, I'd defer to other people.

I'll add though, these are all Denso units, which is afterall just a spinoff from Toyota. The "genuine Toyota" units were/are all Denso though, they supply the OEM units for these alternators, and plenty of other parts too in these rigs. When you're saying "Denso reman" you're really just talking about a genuine remanufactured Toyota unit. Just clarifying that in case it wasn't already understood.

 

[jonheld]

Another option is to send your OEM alternator out to Mosley Motors. Cameron does a good job and it is a complete rebuild using Denso parts. Less expensive than a Toyota rebuilt unit.

FJ40 Rebuilt Alternator FJ60 Alternator Rebuild — MOSLEY MOTORS

Land Cruiser Alternator Restorations

www.mosleymotors.com

 

[bonestock]

Well don't look at me, I wouldn't know them from a bar of soap, I'm on the other side of the world. If the question is about a remanufactured one vs DIY, well I've said my piece on that. In terms of whether that particular vendor is worth buying from, I'd defer to other people.

I'll add though, these are all Denso units, which is afterall just a spinoff from Toyota. The "genuine Toyota" units were/are all Denso though, they supply the OEM units for these alternators, and plenty of other parts too in these rigs. When you're saying "Denso reman" you're really just talking about a genuine remanufactured Toyota unit. Just clarifying that in case it wasn't already understood.

I understand, I was just trying to open the conversation up to others who might have more experience than myself. I think, for now, the plan is to buy a DENSO REMAN unit from Rock Auto and replace the brushes on my OEM unit and put it on a shelf.