Preventative replacement of alternator?

[Bdc101]

I just checked and Valeo is the original manufacturer for the 220-amp alternator on my 35d (according to RealOEM).


Part number 12317603775 is the voltage regulator and is only about $60 for a Valeo version. Andrew, do you know if I need any special tools to remove the voltage regulator? The last time I did this was on a Toyota about 15 years ago and it was just attached to the end of the alternator. But FCP has a bunch of "decoupler" tools in their section for the alternator. Just want to check before I take the car apart.


Edit: Nevermind, it appears you can access it on the back of the alternator if you take it off.