2001 F150 5.4 4wd

I am right in the middle of replacing a cracked Intake manifold. Just need to remove the coils and manifold itself.

The truck has 218k miles on it and still has the stock alternator and water pump.

I removed the fan clutch/shroud in order to have more room to work.

Since I am in there, do you change out the alternator and water pump?

I am leaning towards doing so because of the high mileage on the OEM stock units.

I am ordering parts from RockAuto. I can get a new Motorcraft water pump for a decent price, but it seems like the best deal on an Alternator is a new Remy Gold 130amp unit.

What would you do?

 

Why not?

 

A lot of people think 3rd party alternators aren't that good.

You can get a Motorcraft, but they are rebuilts, only come in a 110 amp and are almost twice as expensive.

 

Decided to just order up the new alt and water pump. I can keep the old ones as emergency spares.

The water pump bearing is just starting to have a hint of movement and the alternator bearing is just starting to make a little noise. I am surprised they are in this good of shape after over 200k miles.

 

Water pump, sure, you already have the coolant drained, but the alternator, I would have waited till it needed replacement. It is easy to get to and replace.
I guess if you think the bearing is going out then OK, but still.

 

I agree, I wouldn't replace the alternator. The original one probably has more life in it than the new one will.

 

Might be a good idea. Yea 320,000 miles on my original 130 amp (factory alts are really 160 amp, that were they max out.) alternator. Water pumps go bad if you don't change the coolant every 3 years and just so you know, those bearings are suppose to be a tad loose, - just a tad. That's what keeps it from over heating. Yea , just a tiny bit of wobble, enough to feel it.... barley.

Are you sure the alts making noises ? Did you stethoscope it ? That's only the real way to tell. A scope will lead you right to the culprit. I just use a long screw driver for a scope.

What would I do ? In this case, -if it ain't broke, keep the new parts for spares.

 

Interesting how some peoples stuff goes out at 120k and others last over 300k.

 

Yea, you have to know how it worked with Ford and others in the past. Ford began cheeping out after 98 with the 10 gens BUT, - they also evolved in horsepower since this was the race with the competition. Some parts became cheaper to make that had soso longevity, but good enough.

Ford knows how to make money and cut corners.

Another very large part in this is maintenance. Not to mention knowing how to get the most out of things. Most won't step beyond that UNLESS your develop a mistrust in others working on your vehicle. If that happens, compounded by an interest in learning some pursue this. If you make the time for it. I was drawn to it lol.

 

I thought we had the 3G alternators? When I was into broncos that is what we all upgraded too.