GM-GMC: BATTERY DRAINS, factory radios, clock circuit

Question
I HAVE BOUGHT A NEW ALTERNATOR. A NEW BATTERY. EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY 97GMC SAFARI MY BATTERY DRAINS AND MY VAN QUITS. ANY SUGGESTIONS

Answer
You will need to connect a voltmeter to verify that the battery is being charged when you are driving it.  13.8 Volts to 14.4 Volts is the normal range with the engine running (for most vehicles).

Then, after the vehicle is stopped, an ammeter will need to be connected to test for power drain on the battery.  If a power drain is detected, removal of fuses (one at a time)  should indicate which circuit is draining the battery.  Note that the clock circuit and radio circuit will be drawing small amounts of power.

GM has had some issues with factory radios killing batteries when the vehicle is parked.