Originally Posted by balddave
Some alternators for ford products come with a new plug pigtail. This does matter in the replacement and life of yoru part. Just because there is one on the car that fits your new/rebuilt part doesnt mean you dont need to replace it. If you got one with your part it needs to be installed.
That's the ticket. That's what I was trying to relate, but couldn't. This is exactly what my mechanic told me when I noticed this problem, and I never saw the problem again when he did it right. Like I said, I'm tlaking about a 1988 Bronco, but what balddave is saying is 100% what I was thinking of. Keep an eye out for that if you try for another alternator.