An easy one for you, I am installing a new alternator, the harness has 2 plug in connectors and one spade connector. The alternator on the other hand has studs and nuts for the connectors, what am i missing?

 

The correct alternator?

I'm sure with a wiring diagram and some ring terminals it can be made to work. What year is the vehicle?

 

The vehicle is a 1981 F100, 300 6, non ac engine. the alternator has regular posts and nuts for the connections but my harness has ring type connectors with red and black covers and then a black ground wire with a stadard ring connector. Did they make different alternator connectors during those years?

 

Someplace in the mid-80s they went to Generation 2 alternators (aka 2G). I think these have built-in regulators but, in any case, the connectors are entirely different.

A few years later, they went to 3G.

A 1981 truck (I have one myself) uses a 1G alternator, I think the sizes available were 40A, 60A and 70A.

 

Does your harness have ring connectors to go over the posts? The easiest thing to do is just cut the connectors off and add ring connectors, but thought i would check here first.

 

Yes, my 1G alternator has ring connectors.

 

If your old alternator had a built-in voltage regulator and new one doesn't you'll need to add one upstream or get the right alternator.

What year is the vehicle?