I have a 1994 Xlt,the battery will go down once a month.I had the battery load tested,which was fine.The local alt shop said the reg was bad.Is this the item bolted to the outside of the alt?Has anyone had a similar problem?If the Alt has to come off,how big a job is this?

 

I think all new Alternators have integral regulator. You probably have to get them both replaced as one unit. When you get the new one ask if they have a heavy duty version it probably won't cost that much more.

 

Yes the voltage regulater is integral with the alternater and no, you don't have to replace the whole alternator. There are a couple of torx screws that hold the regulator/brush assembly into the alternator. It is very easy to replace. Just get the regulator if that is what is wrong.

 

Is the regulator located on the side of the alternator?
Wonder if NAPA carries them?

 

If yours is like my other Ford products, the regulator will be found on the back side of the alternator and there's a connector on it with 3 or 4 wires. It's about the size of a book of matches.

 

Spend $18 and buy the Haynes manual or something comparable. Haynes has excellent photos on regulator replacement and the trick on how to retain the brushes when installing the regulator back onto the alternator. It also describes tests to make sure you're fixing the right thing.