Battery died the other night. Had to jump it in the parking lot to get it back home 10 miles away. I got about 2 miles north before the battery gauge dropped to the red zone (8 volts). As soon as I pulled up to my garage, I shut it off and immediately tried to restart. Nothing, no crank, not even the starter click.

Tested the battery and put it on a trickle charger for the time being. It seems to be fine, though its 5 years old at this point. Figure the voltage regulator is bad in my alternator. So it take it out and take it up to Pep Boys to get it tested (4shitzngiggles), and to swap it for new. Well, I get home to realize the alternator they gave me wont reach the top slider bracket.

Wont fit. Too small. Outrage ensues.

I go back thinking they gave me the wrong one, but they carry no alternative for my make/model/year. The conclusion is that my old alternator is inexplicably larger than it should be, according to Pep Boys after-market database.

If anyone can explain this disparity and offer any possible solution, I would greatly appreciate it.