Alternator

[spiderman]

Need recommendation for reliable alternator, 05 z71 2 wheel drive.

 

[Sam Harris]

I’d go with the AC Delco OEM if you can. Or, are you wanting to upgrade output?

 

[spiderman]

Not wanting more amps, just looking for reliability. My local mechanic says be careful because most come from China.

 

[TollKeeper]

Z71 2 wheel drive???
Thats like an OxyMoron

Back on topic... I always recommend to use whats local to you. An alternator will eventually go out again. If the parts store is local to you, its easier to get a replacement.

I have had good luck with Oriellys and AZ.

 

[Sam Harris]

Not wanting more amps, just looking for reliability. My local mechanic says be careful because most come from China.

Unfortunately, I can agree. I bought an OEM reman unit from Summit, matched my exact existing model, and it failed within 1-2 months. Thankfully, Summit did right by me, and replaced it under warranty. In the meantime, I bought the second cheapest one offered by Advance Auto for my rig, and shelved the OEM one, for later replacement. I’ve been using the store brand one now for almost 2 years without issue. (Although, I did actually have the pulley nut fall off, and had to reinstall and torque it. Thankfully, it fell off in my driveway!)

 

[Donal]

Z71 2 wheel drive???
Thats like an OxyMoron

Back on topic... I always recommend to use whats local to you. An alternator will eventually go out again. If the parts store is local to you, its easier to get a replacement.

I have had good luck with Oriellys and AZ.

Z71 is a suspenion option and can be 2 wd or 4 wd

 

[TollKeeper]

Z71 is a suspenion option and can be 2 wd or 4 wd

I did not know that! The more you know....

 

[Scottydoggs]

do a local search for a alt and starter rebuilders. most of the time they got one on the shelf already rebuilt, you leave yours as a core, or they can rebuild yours. last one i had done a few years back was like 80 bucks.

 

[Sam Harris]

do a local search for a alt and starter rebuilders. most of the time they got one on the shelf already rebuilt, you leave yours as a core, or they can rebuild yours. last one i had done a few years back was like 80 bucks.

Agree. There are a lot of local shops who do this, and then you have (hopefully) a solid warranty, and actual shop to get it exchanged if needed. If you have a few local, I’d ask around for who’s been in business for a long time.

 

[Doubeleive]

Need recommendation for reliable alternator, 05 z71 2 wheel drive.

alternators crossover widely, visit the local junk yard and grab one that looks like yours
you can find them on any 05-14 (05 should be the 2-pin) on silverado, sierra, escalade, avalanche, hummer, tahoe, yukon, suburban. probably on some gm vans as well
there a dime a dozen.....

 

[Doubeleive]

you can also find them on sale new often not listed for your particular vehicle but it will work just fine
the only thing you need to worry about is if yours came with 165a and you find a ittybitty 110a
typically they are either 145a or 165a, if yours was 145a you can go 165a no problem
most common ones are 145a, 165a came on the higher trim levels because of all the extra gadgets

 

[S33k3r]

I did not know that! The more you know....

View attachment 418445

...The more dangerous you become... Remember, knowing is half the battle...

 

[Eldiablo]

Need recommendation for reliable alternator, 05 z71 2 wheel drive.

Rebuild the one you have got. You can not purchase one of the same quality has the one that came originally with your truck new. Not even from gm. Just copies.

 

[geosar]

I am learning things here. Thank you.

One item: when I bought my first Avalanche in 2002 I thought the upgraded suspension of the 4WD was Z71 and 2WD was Z66. Anyone remember that?

George
Arizona

 

[adriver]

If yours is going bad, the most common failure point on an alternator is the Voltage Regulator. If you pull the alt, it's two screws, swap it over, and reinstall the alt. Cost about $40-$50 for the part. Is yours not charging? If you know the old slot cars with the needle in the track, those two contacts are basically what the voltage regulator does. The brushes get worn out, and that's the part you are replacing.

 

[SilverSport]

I am learning things here. Thank you.

One item: when I bought my first Avalanche in 2002 I thought the upgraded suspension of the 4WD was Z71 and 2WD was Z66. Anyone remember that?

George
Arizona

yes it was...I also had a 2002 Avalanche with the optional Z71 4WD package...the 2WD then was optionally the Z66