alternator wiring question

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Jan 24, 2013 | 12:58 PM

c_silva88

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alternator wiring question

ok so i have an 84 f150 with an external regulated alternator and i have a fairly new internally regulator from my parts truck. i know it'll physically swap in and i have all the wiring to go with the new one. i was wondering if all i had to do was plug the harness with the new alternator in and its good or am i gonna have to rewire the plugs for it to work properly?

Jan 24, 2013 | 02:02 PM

Gary Lewis

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From: Northeast, OK

You need to get familiar with the stickies at the top of the forum's page, and figure out how to search. In the stickies there's a thread about tips and tricks, and in it there's this one which has lots of answers to your questions.

Jan 24, 2013 | 04:55 PM

ArdWrknTrk

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From: EXTREME southwest CT

I'm assuming this is a 2G alternator. (external fan, internal regulator)
If so, I would say it is not an 'upgrade' for the better.
These plugs are problematic and the orange/black wiring is suspect too.
There is really only 5A more available than the 1G you already have (75 vs 70)
And the stud mounted charge cable of the 1G is much safer.

Jan 25, 2013 | 05:06 PM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

I agree, if your newer alternator has the two black/orange wires coming out of a slide connector(the alternator has no large output lug with a nut on it) I would not put that in your truck.

Jan 25, 2013 | 10:06 PM

joshofalltrades

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better yet would be to go with a 3g alternator from the junkyard - search about that too, plenty of info here

Jan 26, 2013 | 09:40 AM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

I would stick with the old style myself. Solid performers that had enough output unless you start adding winches, electric fans, a bunch of off-road lights, etc. I even used this alternator with a snowplow, and it worked ok IF I turned the idle up on the engine when I was using the plow.

Jan 26, 2013 | 10:06 AM

c_silva88

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thanks for all the replies i actually found a 100 amp 1g that i had from my old diesel(big case style with ring terminals for the power and ground) which i swapped in. i ended up using 4 gauge wire with a 175amp fuse to hook it up to the battery and using the original regulator.