2 other alternator options for our 1st gen tacoma's with 5VZ-FE's

Hello Everyone,

I am new to the forum and recently purchased a 2000 Tacoma SR5 4X4.

This is my first post and I present 2 other alternator options for the 5VZ-FE V6. Both alternators are clocked at 12 o'clock and they are form John Deere Tractors. I saw a brief mention of it and I went on with finding out which one it was.

Within research I also discovered 2 John Deere alternators that can fit. One is a traditional single 3 phase alternator, also made by Denso 140amps. A second alternator also from John Deere tractor Denso hairpin dual 3 phase (sometimes refer to 6 phase but it really is not 6 phases) 150amps.

chagovatoloco post on 105amp Denso alternator from the Suzuki Grand Vitara which wouldn't be enough amperage for the electric fan I am planning to install. I also didn't want use the CS144 alternator either. I wanted a more oem look.



1st alternator option Denso 100211-6420, 12 o'clock, 140amp alternator. (I haven't test this one yet, I do have one assembled to test. I will take it Napa auto parts to have it tested)

With this alternator it should also bolt right up to the 5VZ-FE without any spacing needed. The tensioner bolt side will also need the threads drilled out just like the 105amp Denso from the Suzuki. The voltage regulator will need to be swapped over from your original denso or denso style alternator. The end cover for the alternator will need a little bit of trimming for clearance for the plug.

1st step: Remove the 3 nuts circled in red, phillips head screw, and 10mm nut for positive lead post.



2nd step: Remove brush holder cover and remove the phillips head screws holding the brush hold circled in red and pull the brush holder assembly straight up and out.



3rd step: Remove the voltage regulator 3 phillips screws circled in red and remove it from the old alternator.


4th step: Do the same steps to new Denso 140amp alternator. The reason we are transferring the voltage regulator is because the plug styles are different. Assembly is reverse.

Tip for the brush holder, use your finger to push the brushes all the way into the holder and slowly slide them down the slip rings. Or use a allen key or small screw driver to do same.

Might need a slight trimming on the back of the alternator cover to clear the plug for the regulator.





5th step: Swap the alternator pulley from the old alternator onto the new alternator. Socket size is 22mm, impact works but use common sense while using an impact. Without an impact, you need a 22mm offset wrench and wrench counter hold the shaft from spinning.


2nd alternator option Denso 104210-3921, 12 o'clock, hairpin, 150amp alternator.

This one is plug-n-play besides drilling out the threads on the tensioner side and pulley swap. Pulley socket size is 22mm.

This is the option I am using because the hairpin style alternators are much more efficient.




Video of alternator installed and running in my tacoma.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nt1HTXGaruo

Both alternators will require the stock positive cable ring terminal to be enlarged.

Again these are just other options to cs144 alternator. Although the genuine Denso alternator for both these options do cost a bit more nearing almost 300 bucks. Although the aftermarket options DB Electric and a few others, mostly just rebrand WAI Global alternators have good decent reviews @ around 150 bucks

I will also be doing a electric fan conversion in a few days with Bosch brushless pwm fan with Arduino micro controller to control it along with upgrading the big 7 cables. This will be in a separate post.

I will post updates after a few days.

Use this knowledge at your own risk.

Thanks

 

Update on how is everything is working. So far it has been working great!

I was able to have Napa Auto parts test the alternator build Denso 100211-6420, 12 o'clock, 140amp alternator. it tested fine after the regulator swap.

Here is preview of electric fan I'm going to be swapping in.

 

Fantastic write-up!

 

That pretty neat! I ran a Mean-Green alternator in my truck to keep up with the demands of lights, winch, and an AGM battery. Nice effort on the write up, and A belated welcome to TW. That’s one heck of a fan also, what is the flow rate vs stock?

 

Installed the John Deere 150 amp 104210-3921 earlier this week. Hard to find a real Denso unit in 2023 it seems but I got one for ~$270 on eBay. So far I'm impressed with it.

Wish we could find an upgraded Denso with the alternator connector and positive cable clocked/positioned identically to OEM. But with a larger gauge cable upgrade I just gave the connector a bit more slack than the stock harness.

 

Most old fashioned Mom and Pop auto electrical shops can turn up your stock alternator with good reliability if they are into that type of I have had several done over the years.

I have no idea if that is possible with the smart alternators worth exploring.

 

This is great! Thank you for the detailed write-up!

 

This is great, thank you for posting this! Any sense what the amp output at idle is like for the 150 amp alt?

 

Great find.

I’ll be doing the Denso 150 amp unit 104210-3921 when the time comes.

thanks.

Mike

 

Are you finding these for less that ~$350+?? I’d save $200 and just do the GM CS144 swap

 

Unless I'm mistaken this is advertised as a NEW Denso 104210-3921

https://www.ebay.com/itm/292575875297

for $134.

Quite possibly a Denso clone?

Mike

 

That’s the tough part about EBay, and Amazon for that matter, never know if you’re getting knock off shit.

I did a quick search and it seemed like everywhere I saw the John Deere Denso, it was 3 to 4 bills.

I’ve had my GM alternator installed for maybe 8 years. I’ve got dual batteries and a voltmeter in the cab hooked to each and when I’m at idle both batteries are getting 14.2 volts.

It’s a cost effective solution that is really affordable and popular (lots of people on here run them). Part of my thinking was if I were to need a replacement they’d be readily available. That might be another issue I’d worry about- being stuck in a podunk town where the local Napa can’t get you a replacement of a rare part

 

EDIT: 021080-0140 IS A CONFIRMED ACCEPTABLE PART NUMBER, PULLEY SWAP ONLY WILL WORK WITH 17mm SPINDLE PULLEY FROM AN 80 AMP ALT

Best I have found so far using alternate P/N https://www.ase-supply.com/product_p/nd-021080-0140.htm

Cross ref to 104210-3921 shows parts available, brushes and bearings most important... But also shows many other vehicles that have the similar alternator, most interesting is the Toyo/Lexus models. This alternator may be more common than just in a John Deere.
https://www.maniacelectricmotors.com/nsearch.html?section=&query=104210-3921&searchsubmit=Search&vwcatalog=yhst-44365514171686

Denso makes a CS144 alternator, P/N 210-5185, I think I am leaning towards, mostly because it is proven and has solid idle amperage numbers.

Most of the times I try to rig things too much it ends up a waste of time/money.

 

I just ordered a Denso 104210-3291 and I received a Denso -021080-0140 instead. They are not the same, my stock pulley does not fit on the shaft. I'm furious right now at this eBay seller.

 

Shoot, that sucks... Bummer that happened, thank you for reporting back

 

So I have to report back that the Denso -021080-0140 worked just fine. The problem was with my 98 having a 70 Amp alternator instead of the 80 Amp that come on the newer first gens. The 70 amps have a 15mm spindle while the 80 Amp alts have a 17mm shaft. Quick trip to the junk yard confirmed it.

 

Thanks for the update, glad you got to the bottom of it. If you get an idle amp reading please post!

 

How many amps is the -0140 unit that you were sent?

Thanks,

Mike

 

It's the same exact 150 amp unit as the Denso 104210-3291