All the big parts stores buy they're rotating electric from the same suppliers and label them as they're own

 

All alternators are not the same. Many of the cheaper alternators are rebuilt with either the same old components or cheaper replacements. Duralast and one of the Advance brands is a prime example. How else would their costs be down? Because they care about the customer and are willing to sacrifice profit? No, they use cheaper brushings, wiring, etc.

 

Took it to autozone today and apparently everything is fine. I kinda wanted a new battery but the guy said it was at 100%. So blame it on dumb gauges. The terminals were a little screwy so i'm gonna replace those. Dumb gauges scared the out of me.