Had to replace the alternator for the third time in the past 12 months. Mar/04, Sept./04 and today. Batteries tested good, connections are fine. I don't have any extra stuff (lights/stereo) to drain the system. What gives???

Sounds like you have a short. Autozone where I live can connect up to your vehicle while its running and see what the load is on your alternator. Electrical problems with these trucks are very common. Are you buring diodes or brushes? Do you know whats failing?

Had to replace the alternator for the third time in the past 12 months. Mar/04, Sept./04 and today. Batteries tested good, connections are fine. I don't have any extra stuff (lights/stereo) to drain the system. What gives???Replace all (grounds too) your battery cable they get battery acid down inside the insulation. ;)

Carey

Saskpuller

I'm not sure what year your truck is but my 95 went through plenty of alternators in 300,000 km's. Part of the problem with it was how the tensioner pulled down on the bearing. If you buy cheap alternators they will go quick, pay the extra for a decent one with good warrenty and they seem to last longer. If you have bad battery cables as suggested by Carey you should cut them off and put on brass top post connections if you have top posts on your battery, if not put on new side posts with the modifications as listed on Turbine Docs website (in his signature). Your battery cables may look just fine, until you cut one open and really see whats inside that rubber covering. I did my 2000 and was surprised it even started after cutting them open and seeing the buildup of crud in there.