So I have the alternator apart, needed an impact gun to remove the pulley nut. Have run into a couple of snags - not insurmountable.

First the rear bearing needs a small bearing separator (bearing is about 3/4") unless you cut it off with an angle grinder. I didn't want to risk cutting into the shaft so I ordered a separator from Amazon for about $22. I'll have to fabricate my own puller for the separator though as buying a "kit" is too expensive.

The front bearing knocks out easily.

Second problem was an attempt to de-solder the three stator wires from the rectifier. It's the only way to remove the stator from the rectifier and the brush holder to replace the brushes. I could not get enough heat from my two soldering guns as the wattage is just not high enough for the solder and the large wires that conduct a lot of heat away from the solder. So for $21 I ordered a 200 watt large soldering iron from Amazon. I would not attempt a butane torch as the diodes are right next to the solder joints.

The brushes are also soldered in so I'll need the bigger iron for that as well.

So for now I'm into this for about $63, without a $28 rectifier. Reman alternators at RockAuto run between $80 and $130 (Denso). Ahead so far.

If this works out though and I can use the tools on future alternators then it's be a good way to save some money as the replacement parts are very cheap.