Single Field Alternator Rebuild Help!

I have my original alternator in a box and finally got around to rebuilding it. I have the service manual but I need some of the info dumbed down a bit. It refers to special testing tools so I don't know what they are using.

1. How do you correctly test the diodes (+ and -) out of the case with a digital multimeter and what should the readings be?

2. How do you test the capacitor with a digital multimeter? i tried several settings and get nothing with leads hooked to either end.

3. Is the stator testable out of the case? Mine looks to be de-laminating in a few places and would like to test before I buy any parts.

4. Would it be less a pain in the butt to just buy a remanufactured alt and swap out the case for my original? The parts all seem to add up to $40 and if I need a capacitor it will be another $30+ as I don't see these available anywhere but nos on ebay. Rebuilt are $30 to $50

Thanks