[Excaliber]

That voltage do sound low! Could be indicative of your battery having a harder time takeing or holding a charge. I'm guessing not the alternator considering the other symptoms\history as you describe.

Would it be difficult to swap the battery out for another? Is there any way to check the water in the battery? Is there some way to check "cranking voltage" falls below 9.6 volts? One thing at a time, you need to KNOW the battery is NOT the problem and then move on to the next step. Wires, starter motor, alternator, etc.

Ernie