95 Disco I w/ 154k. I just flushed the engine, new wires, plugs, cap and rotor, did the Seafoam in the tank and the induction. I know i need a new distributor and its on its way. I developed a rattle/clanking noise about a week after all the aforementioned so figured a just needed the distributor to cure the problem. No dice. My redneck neighbor, once properly fueled by Bud, immediately tells me when I get out of the truck hey I hear you have a bearing going out. So we pop the hood and sure enogh the alternator sounds like Keith Moon. So is this a DIY'er? Should I put the extra money into her or is this a sign of things to come? She probably has a little life left but just though I would seek opinions. Any ideas of where to pick up the part as least expensive as possible?

 

I had my alternator rebuilt by a shop for 80$ (bearings + labor). If you can find a shop to do it and bring them only the alternator you will save on labor. If the bearings are going out, I suggest you also change the belt.

 

Replacing the alternator is a very easy 30min DIY job.
www.autosportsunlimited.com has them for around $70, I tried to get mine rebuilt but they wanted almost $300.
I bought one from AutoZone for $180 with a life time warrenty, 5,000 miles later it was replaced under warrenty.
Next time I am buying a used one and getting my money back from AutoZone.
Brand new they are $600.
Also try www.roverlandparts.com
You can keep driving it with the bearings going south but be warned that it will fail completly and not charge your battery.
My original alternator did the exact same thing, bearings knocked, sounded like ball bearings in a dryer and with the engine running and putting your hand on top of the alt you could feel them too.
Drove over 300 miles that way, we were out of town.
The alt is worth the $600, but why when you can get used for under $100.

 

I wish i would have waited for your reply, i just bought a used one for 125, not bad I guess but I like your price better! So this is pretty easy to install? Any tips or pointers? I plan to do the alternator and the distributor the same day. Found a distributor for 225, its factory used but i thought i would go that route rather than the Proline. When is it time to pull the plug on these old gals? Mine is doing fine other than getting the above worked out. Its a daily driver with no rust other than the rear bumper. Just curious as to the opinion of others. Maybe there is a provision in the stimulus for used Land Rover owners.

 

The only thing on replacing the alt is make sure you unhook the battery first and make sure that you get your connections good and tight and in the right spots.
As far as when to drive it to the scrap yard...when the price for aluminum is so high that you cannot refuse.
4,000+ lbs of aluminum could be alot of money.