Failed Alternator Replacement (130amp-250amp Upgrade)?

My alternator failed yesterday on my 2006 SR5 4x4 with the tow package. I've found this means I currently have an alternator with a Denso 130amp output.

I believe it failed due to the extra current I've been drawing with my newly added tailgate lights and seat heaters. I don't think it has ever been replaced I'm right around 133k mileage.

I was hoping to find something that could produce more than 130amps maybe 200-250? I plan to add more electrical systems in the future and don't want to overload another alternator or battery.

I have done some searching and there's a lot to choose from but I currently am a college student and don't have $400 to burn on a new one. I was hoping someone might have a good suggestion or experience on their own alternator swap.

Here's what I've been looking at. Nothing is in particular order I tried to go off reasonable prices and reviews.​

1. 250amp
250A High Output Alternator for Toyota Tacoma, 2005 - 2015 4.0L V6 (241c.i.)
https://www.powerbastards.com/proddetail.asp?prod=11139-250-HD1-1

2. 250amp
Toyota Tacoma High 250 HIGH Amp Alternator 4.0 2005 2006 2014 FJ Cruiser Tundra
https://www.ebay.com/itm/264880900590?chn=ps&norover=1&mkscid=101&itemid=264880900590&targetid=1644837434603&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=1018984&poi=&campaignid=16743749222&mkgroupid=138744546207&rlsatarget=pla-1644837434603&abcId=9300842&merchantid=101680407&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhsmaBhCvARIsAIbEbH4rPdU07sz4AgLJxQijgPPMUBjNM4JVNG29xX96NwmRZ7j_rJNw89caArEuEALw_wcB

3. 250amp
250 AMP 11138 Alternator Toyota Tacoma Tundra High Output Performance
https://www.ebay.com/itm/254124178230


4. 130amp
Duralast Gold Alternator DLG5544-7-12
https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/alternator/p/duralast-gold-alternator-dlg5544-7-12/287828_0_0

5. 130amp
Alternator - Remfd
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/DEN2100580?cid=paidsearch_shopping_dcoe_google&campaign=GSC-Alternators-Starters&campaign_id=6503920054&adgroup_id=73349362010&adtype=pla&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhsmaBhCvARIsAIbEbH4w0NEXTwBMMUvpswrnP0K2TCJPuj_-BMIhHv5wJv0qdlTy0xb4zP4aAojoEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

Just note, if you go with any high amp alt your going to have to upgrade all your wiring which is going to add a bit more $$$ on top if you go with quality cable/lugs/crimp tool for a diy.

I added a 240 amp Mechman to my previous vehicle. But I was running amps/sub, other random accessories and the vehicle at baseline was already juice hungry since it had an old OEM sound system and other luxury items with only a 130 amp alt.

Like what was said above…I doubt those few items were pulling any amperage significant of killing your alternator. I’d replace with a Denso reman and call it a day.

 

@whatstcp Thank you for the advice! I’ll take that into consideration, do more research, and test my battery.

As far as refraining from modifications to the truck I have a problem with keeping things stock and always find something to fix, apply, or upgrade as an engineer . It’s blessing and a curse. As much as the things I’ve done to my truck might make it seem I’m a cheap b******. The lighting and electrical I’ve recycled from past projects and my schools engineering lab dumpsters with minor trips the the hardware store.

Thanks for taking the time to respond to my post!!

Here’s a couple images I thought I’d share.

 

Thank you to everyone who gave me their insight.

I ended up going with a 130 amp alternator from AutoZone I even swapped it out the same day. Took me three hours and works great.


Duralast Gold Alternator DLG5544-7-12

https://www.autozone.com/batteries-...alast-gold-alternator-dlg5544-7-12/287828_0_0

 

At least it’s got a Lifetime warranty.

The warranty doesn’t pay labor.
Since you did it yourself, I guess labor is free?
@PennSilverTaco can tell you all about those parts store alternators.

I totally understand your decision. Life is tough at times, especially for a college student.
You do what you gotta do, and hope for the best.

But seriously, GREAT JOB on actually doing it yourself.
I know plenty of college graduates that can’t even tell you what an alternator is

 

I personally would never buy a parts store alternator again, as the one I got failed after 8 months...

 

I got an Autozone alt for our Lexus ES350 and it failed within a year. They gave me a knew one and it is holding up and going on five years. It can be hit/miss with these parts store. For the higher output alt, I wonder if you considered BnR Parts, they sell alts through eBay and have 200 and 250 amp alts. My truck has their 200 amp and is going on 7 years with no issues. I also got their 160 amp alt for my daughter’s Corolla. As noted, you need to upgrade some of the charging system wiring.