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Alternator suggestions?

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Old May 13, 2011 | 07:13 PM
  #1  
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Alternator suggestions?

Just had a long 20 mile drive home with 3 stops to beat on the alternator with a hammer to keep it working. It is original to the truck and am looking to replace with a new heavier duty alt. I've run meters on all the possibilities and it's what's needed.
I'm gonna do the Big 3 wire upgrade at the same time I replace the alternator. I seem to be adding more draws to the battery every year and figure the wires would need be done for a hevier duty alternator.

I'm looking for recommendations for a new unit, and also sites/stores to buy from. Online places I've looked I can't determine what's a better alternator or even which is a hevier duty over another. The prices appear to be all over the place as well.

Please call me out if you think I'm wrong about just doin this replacement myself. I'dreally like to avoid the dealer on this one as I've got a 120k mile laundry list coming up that I'm sure to give them enough work.

Thanks for any and all input - John

2001 F350 5.4 w/117k miles
 
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Old May 13, 2011 | 09:42 PM
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I put a DCPOWER Inc in my 6.0 I ordered the XP250 but they shipped the XP270 to me. I haven't had any further problems so far. The biggest item I run is a 12v 100% duty cycle Puma air compressor that pulls 30amps.
 
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Old May 13, 2011 | 09:47 PM
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Another vote for DC Power. I have 3+ years of hard use on one of their 190's and it hasn't missed a beat.

If you don't see your application, just call them. They are great to deal with.

An alternator swap is simple on a 5.4. Don't sweat it.
 
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Old May 13, 2011 | 09:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Ford350R
I put a DCPOWER Inc in my 6.0 I ordered the XP250 but they shipped the XP270 to me. I haven't had any further problems so far. The biggest item I run is a 12v 100% duty cycle Puma air compressor that pulls 30amps.
And a Welcome to you, Ford350R. Good choice on your alternator.
 
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Old May 16, 2011 | 03:20 PM
  #5  
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I'm running a 160 amp version with external rectifier from Quick Start. So far, excellent.
Ford Type 5.4L Engine High Output Alternator Upgrades - 3G, 4G, and 6G Series Alternators

If you don't need extra power, it would be more cost effective to have a local quality shop re-build yours. Sounds like it just needs a new set of brushes.
Replacing all the electronics and bearings will also keep it tip top.
Check around if you have a local electric motor rebuilder. DO NOT try a "rebuild" from a parts store. They are usually junk.
 
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Old May 16, 2011 | 03:25 PM
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What failing is a 95amp, original I believe. What would a shop likely charge for a rebuild like you mention mwsF250?
 
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Old May 16, 2011 | 06:15 PM
  #7  
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I had a local guy rebuild a couple Nissan alternators. They were under $100, and he used higher current rectifier diodes.
 
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Old May 16, 2011 | 06:24 PM
  #8  
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Due to making a mistake of buying rebuild alternator, in last 4 months I ended up removing and reinstalling alternators 4 times. Last time knowing all the tools and trick it was like 4 minutes job to remove.
New alternator at Kragen cost $197 out the door. I got OEM 120 amps.
120 amps is good for welding. What you use your alternator for?
 
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Old May 17, 2011 | 12:59 AM
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DC Power is the only one i found that would charge at idle on my 03 6.0 psd.
 
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