alternator upgrade
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alternator upgrade
Hey guys,
Been looking to upgrade the stock alternator on my 97 f250 heavy duty. Dont need nothing crazy but would like to have a little extra kick for the snowplow and extra lights i plan on puttin on the truck eventually. The stock alternator is 95 amps but after looking at the parts stores it seems like the 130 amp alternator for the same year 7.3 diesel should work on my truck. However depending on which stores site you check they show it differently. My main concern is ive notice some pictures are missing one of the wire connections. Has anyone tried using the 7.3 alternator? Any luck?
Been looking to upgrade the stock alternator on my 97 f250 heavy duty. Dont need nothing crazy but would like to have a little extra kick for the snowplow and extra lights i plan on puttin on the truck eventually. The stock alternator is 95 amps but after looking at the parts stores it seems like the 130 amp alternator for the same year 7.3 diesel should work on my truck. However depending on which stores site you check they show it differently. My main concern is ive notice some pictures are missing one of the wire connections. Has anyone tried using the 7.3 alternator? Any luck?
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
What engine do you have now?
There is always a 130A option to fit the same mounting style you already have.
The 3G will have a regulator plug and the charge cable will connect directly to a stud (or lug) on the back of the case.
You may consider upgrading the charging cable to handle the increased output if you will be running heavy draw like a plow or winch.
There is always a 130A option to fit the same mounting style you already have.
The 3G will have a regulator plug and the charge cable will connect directly to a stud (or lug) on the back of the case.
You may consider upgrading the charging cable to handle the increased output if you will be running heavy draw like a plow or winch.
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351 5.8
Like i said the problem ive noticed is some 3g alternators have one less terminal. Depending on where you look theyll show it in the picture on the 7.3 alternator, others wont. But im seeing that the 7.3 alternator also fits 4.0l explorers. I also have a 99 4.0l explorer which i know has one less terminal. Im not sure what the terminal is for but its a single blade by itself seperate but right next the regulator plug
Like i said the problem ive noticed is some 3g alternators have one less terminal. Depending on where you look theyll show it in the picture on the 7.3 alternator, others wont. But im seeing that the 7.3 alternator also fits 4.0l explorers. I also have a 99 4.0l explorer which i know has one less terminal. Im not sure what the terminal is for but its a single blade by itself seperate but right next the regulator plug
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
That is the stator. (white/black wire)
Every 3G has a stator input.
Edit to add; I looked up a 1996-2004 Explorer alternator and it appears to be 4G. (black rear cover and NO holes in the three ribs on the front)
The 4G is computer controlled, and NOT compatible.
If you have trouble identifying which alternator you have -or need- there are PLENTY of threads with pictures about doing this swap here on the forum.
Every 3G has a stator input.
Edit to add; I looked up a 1996-2004 Explorer alternator and it appears to be 4G. (black rear cover and NO holes in the three ribs on the front)
The 4G is computer controlled, and NOT compatible.
If you have trouble identifying which alternator you have -or need- there are PLENTY of threads with pictures about doing this swap here on the forum.
New User
Joined: Dec 2012
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What engine do you have now?
There is always a 130A option to fit the same mounting style you already have.
The 3G will have a regulator plug and the charge cable will connect directly to a stud (or lug) on the back of the case.
You may consider upgrading the charging cable to handle the increased output if you will be running heavy draw like a plow or winch.
There is always a 130A option to fit the same mounting style you already have.
The 3G will have a regulator plug and the charge cable will connect directly to a stud (or lug) on the back of the case.
You may consider upgrading the charging cable to handle the increased output if you will be running heavy draw like a plow or winch.
Do the '93 5L F150's have a 105 amp? Wonder will the 130A fit it's bracket also? Thanks, Farmer
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
(in reply to farmerobrown)
Ford produced 95 & 130A third generation alternators.
Luxury models with power everything and cars with the electric fans usually got the 130A.
To fit the larger diameter case (148mm) of the 130A you will have to grind a little clearance into the existing bracket of your '93 5.0.
There is a picture here; Fuel Injection Technical Library » 3G Install Tech
Ford produced 95 & 130A third generation alternators.
Luxury models with power everything and cars with the electric fans usually got the 130A.
To fit the larger diameter case (148mm) of the 130A you will have to grind a little clearance into the existing bracket of your '93 5.0.
There is a picture here; Fuel Injection Technical Library » 3G Install Tech
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pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
Why don't you post a link or just the picture?
There's no way for me to know what you're looking at.
There's no way for me to know what you're looking at.
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This is the 7.3 alternator
Alternator | 1997 Ford F250 3/4 ton P/U 4WD 8 Cylinders F 7.3L Turbo Diesel | AutoZone.com
Alternator | 1997 Ford F250 3/4 ton P/U 4WD 8 Cylinders F 7.3L Turbo Diesel | AutoZone.com
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From: spring, tx
with all those high amp accessories i would start by upgrading all the grounds and your alternator and battery power wires. that combined with a bigger battery will help in the long run plus it will be cheaper; cause after you get a higher amp alt you will have to upgrade the wiring anyway
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
If you're talking about the DLG7765-18-2
Gold Duralast/Alternator (DLG7765-18-2) | 1997 Ford F250 3/4 ton P/U 4WD 8 Cylinders F 7.3L Turbo Diesel | AutoZone.com
You need to look at the views on the 'enlarge image' page
This is a side mount 130A 3G.
You can clearly see the single connection for the stator wire in the side view.
I don't see the same info you do, because I have different cookies from previous visits to the Vatozone website.
Gold Duralast/Alternator (DLG7765-18-2) | 1997 Ford F250 3/4 ton P/U 4WD 8 Cylinders F 7.3L Turbo Diesel | AutoZone.com
You need to look at the views on the 'enlarge image' page
This is a side mount 130A 3G.
You can clearly see the single connection for the stator wire in the side view.
I don't see the same info you do, because I have different cookies from previous visits to the Vatozone website.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
You can, but it's likely to let out a little screech on startup.
Some people say to use a Goodyear Gatorback belt.
I don't really know because my truck has V-belts.
Ryan at RJM has addressed this at length.
It is his consensus from load testing these alternators that they will not be able to put out full amperage with only the 6 rib belt.
(but how often or long do you need the full 130A?)
Some people say to use a Goodyear Gatorback belt.
I don't really know because my truck has V-belts.
Ryan at RJM has addressed this at length.
It is his consensus from load testing these alternators that they will not be able to put out full amperage with only the 6 rib belt.
(but how often or long do you need the full 130A?)
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I dont need the full amount especially not at once. Like i said just lookin for something with a little extra kick to it. Ive noticed though that there are companies that offer alternators in the 200 to 300 amp ranges and even some bigger still using the 6 rib pulleys. I dont feel the urge to spend 5to 600 plus dollars. So ive just been tryin to find a stock part to use