[carbon02]

DB Coops-- How old is the battery? I had similar dimming issues for over a year, and just assumed it was a common issue with the electrical air pump pulling down the battery. Just replaced the battery, and the positive terminal was corroded to the point where it pulled out of the battery.

"Battery tested at 130-140 amps?" That's a bad battery when it's rated for 770CCA, that would be my concern.

Clicking a few times when trying to start the car I believe is the starter relay clicking, but at either case I'd guess your starting at low voltage. The alternator isn't contributing anything yet, on a cold start.

The alternator on a 3.5L isn't that easy of a job, especially now in a Minnesota garage, unless your talking about a garage that has more than a space heater!

I don't know if there's any tricks, but alternator removal requires battery, and battery tray removal, draining of the cooling system, removal of the thermostat, and removal of the cooling system fan assembly to get enough room.

If there's any doubt about the battery I'd personally try that first. I don't think the alternator is beyond your capabilities, but it's not on top like the 3.8L and won't be a really fast swap.