So, I ordered a voltage regulator because I think mine is blown, and Friday or Saturday I'm going to be attempting to replace it on my own. The guy at AutoZone printed me out some rough instructions with a blurry picture. I've got a Haynes, which might offer some better pictures of what is what.

But uh, if anyone has done this before, do you have any tips or tricks or some knowledge to offer me? I've never taken an alternator apart at all before, actually I've never even taken one off of a car without my dad before, but I'm ready and excited to do it myself this time. I love workin on my car, even when I have no clue what I'm getting into.

But anyway, thanks for any replies.

 

Take a sharpie and mark the two halves of the alternator before you take it apart. That way you'll put it together the same way. Also, I use a 'straw' from a WD-40 can or a toothpick to hold the brushes in place for reassembly.
Everything else is pretty straightforward.
Good luck!

 

paperclips or any piece of wire work to hold the brushes up, that's usually the biggest hassle.