The truck is a 1997 F150 4.6L auto 2wd XLT supercab. I ordered it with the trailer towing package. How can I find out whether I have the 95 or 130 amp alternator? The MSRP window sticker has no mention about the alternator.

 

I thought the 130 had a 8 rib pulley and the 95 amp had a 7 rib pulley (belt) ?

 

one e-bay post

<TABLE class=specs><TBODY><TR><TD class=title colSpan=2>Specifications:</TD></TR><TR><TD>Unit Type</TD><TD>Alternator</TD></TR><TR><TD>Part Type</TD><TD>UNIT</TD></TR><TR><TD>Voltage</TD><TD>12</TD></TR><TR><TD>Rotation</TD><TD>CW</TD></TR><TR><TD>Amperage</TD><TD>130</TD></TR><TR><TD>Clock</TD><TD>10</TD></TR><TR><TD>Pulley Class</TD><TD>S8</TD></TR><TR><TD>Regulator</TD><TD>IR</TD></TR><TR><TD>Fan Type</TD><TD>IF</TD></TR><TR><TD>Brief</TD><TD>FORD E & F SERIES TRUCKS 1997-98
8-GROOVE PULLEY 59mm OD</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

This one is easy!

 

Thanks guys. Based on the measurements mine was a 130 amp. Got a new one at Advance Auto for $151.50 including tax. Took about 3 hours to put in including time to get all my tools needed out of the shop building, hooking up a big fan to keep me cool, waiting out a 15 minute rain delay, then putting everything away. Moving some parts under the hood out of the way didn't take long. But the tensioner took longer than I expected because the 1/2" breaker bar I was going to use couldn't be put in the square hole due the metal fan blades in the way. So I improvised. I used a short 1/2" stubby rachet that I could insert in the hole. Then I got a deep socket that would fit over the handle, attached several extensions to get it up high enough to grab and it worked. The alternator was tight getting out but I finally got it out. Install took considerably less time. I was charging the battery (it was a brand new one) as I was doing my work so it would have a full charge. Cranked it up and took the truck back to Advance Auto to take the core and have them retest everything. Everything checked out so I'm happy. Sore from bending over the front of the truck but still happy.

 

I don't understand why MOST vehicles are designed like that . Tensioner is a good idea, square drive is a good idea.. then put the fan or radiator shroud in the way so you only have 3/4 inch clearance to install a 1 inch thick breaker bar !!!!

 

so the 130 amp has two holes in between the ribs and the 95 amp has 4 holes?

 

No, the 130 amp has two holes in between the ribs and the 95 amp has 4 holes as you can clearly see in the picture.

 

isn't that what he just said ?

 

Given the clarity of the picture, my response was as necessary as his question.

 

i couldn't see the picture yet my computer is slow.