I need a new alternator, mine is making noise and can barely get up to 13v on the highway. I was planning on getting a DC Power 185 OEM, but now I'm not sure. I have a pretty much stock truck. The most I would do is put a decent(not high output) air compressor on it. NAPA has a lifetime warranty and is $130 cheaper, is there any point to getting a DC Power for my setup or is it overkill?

 

Kinda depends on how much extra load your planning to add. Lights,stereo equipment, radios and such.

 

The stock alternator is barely adequate at keeping batteries charged. The dc power would be a great upgrade. I plan on one when my current remaned alt goes out.

 

I think the minimum you want is around 140A. In fact that is what became standard on the 6.4s...

 

Try Eagle Auto Electric that's what I'm running and have no issues and the price was right plus I got it in 2 days

 

I don't consider it overkill at all. I'm running a 200A alternator and the only extra thing I'm running is an AirdogII fuel pump. I see what kind of voltage jumps I get just in stop and go traffic running the AC. I wouldn't go any less than the 185A.

 

Well you guys sure like to spend my money. I have a DC Power on order, but I was having second thoughts since I could get a lifetime warranty on a stock alternator for less. Now, if mine takes a dump in the next week and a half I'll have to go with the NAPA one since DC power can't seem to keep any in stock.

 

Out of stock again? Must be good stuff.....It's not often cheaper is better in this day and time.

 

Do you have to upgrade wiring to go 185A or 200 for that matter? That'd be something else to consider...

 

Have to upgrade? No. Is it a good idea? Probably.

For a 185 amp, 0/0 cable would work great. 200-240 1/0 would be ideal and anything over 240 amps I would run 2/0 welding cable.

Josh

 

dc powers 190A are no longer available...hmmmm

 

I'm running a DC Power 270 amp alternator and there is nio comparison to their quality versus anyone's refurb unit...esp Ford. I once went through 4 yes 4 Ford refurbs in one weekend on my Mercury Marauder. Ford is notorious for crappy rebuilt alternators! Buy quality the first time...I mean to quote Tommy Boy, "I could take a crap in a box and put Guarantee on it if it makes you sleep better at night" or you could never use a warranty in the first place.

my .02

 

Lots get that 185amp DC Alt don't get me wrong its Great just High Demand thing

I called them and asked what they had in stock got a 190amp in 3-4days

Paid alittle more But got it in a Timely manor and touch more power

 

Check /replace your engine to frame ground wires, they corrode after time.

 

I noticed that too, I guess I got the last one, maybe they just wanted to streamline their offerings.