Alternator swap?
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Southampton, MA
Alternator swap?
So heres the situation - I have an 85 F150 with the 300 I6, and it's slowly becoming a bit of an offroad rig. With offroad comes the demand for more electricty (i.e. lights, winches, etc.) does anybody know/and or have done a swap to a higher output alternator? If so what did you use? I'd like to find something that will "bolt right up" that'll be over 100amp, but i'm having trouble finding one.
Thanks, Matt
Thanks, Matt
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
No trouble finding a third generation 130A alternator from a '90's Taurus or Sable.
You will need to modify the regulator harness and add a heavy gauge charging cable with fuse to handle the additional current.
This has been discussed hundreds of times.
There are many threads on the "3G Swap"
Check the stickies at the top of this section and the '87-'96 section too.
You will need to modify the regulator harness and add a heavy gauge charging cable with fuse to handle the additional current.
This has been discussed hundreds of times.
There are many threads on the "3G Swap"
Check the stickies at the top of this section and the '87-'96 section too.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,966
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From: Virginia
Remember also there are different ways to accomplish the same thing, sometimes better ways. Like keeping your stock alternator, or upgrading it only slightly, and using a isolator and a second deep cycle battery to run your winch and other things. Advantages to this are;
1, You do not have to run the engine while using the winch and other things.
2. Your electrical "toys" will never run down your regular battery so your regular battery will always be fresh to start the engine.
3. You can get by with using your regular alternator.
1, You do not have to run the engine while using the winch and other things.
2. Your electrical "toys" will never run down your regular battery so your regular battery will always be fresh to start the engine.
3. You can get by with using your regular alternator.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 709
Likes: 2
whichever way u go
So heres the situation - I have an 85 F150 with the 300 I6, and it's slowly becoming a bit of an offroad rig. With offroad comes the demand for more electricty (i.e. lights, winches, etc.) does anybody know/and or have done a swap to a higher output alternator? If so what did you use? I'd like to find something that will "bolt right up" that'll be over 100amp, but i'm having trouble finding one.
Thanks, Matt
Thanks, Matt
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 497
Likes: 4
I have had good luck with the '3G' alternator swap as well, though I used a mid 90's Mustang application. All I had to do to make the alternator physically work was tap one mounting ear for the 3/8-16 bolt for the adjustment, and get the right pulley and spacer to use a v-belt. You can get everything you need from these guys: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...dtcm3qtRy-OlBw
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Did you use the Rocketman voltmeter conversion?
Rocketman's Classic Cougar Innovations
I know Gary Lewis got this and he was very happy with it.
My '87 came with a voltmeter, so I never had to worry about melting my ammeter.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 709
Likes: 2
good mornin..
JohnSmith,
Did you use the Rocketman voltmeter conversion?
Rocketman's Classic Cougar Innovations
I know Gary Lewis got this and he was very happy with it.
My '87 came with a voltmeter, so I never had to worry about melting my ammeter.
Did you use the Rocketman voltmeter conversion?
Rocketman's Classic Cougar Innovations
I know Gary Lewis got this and he was very happy with it.
My '87 came with a voltmeter, so I never had to worry about melting my ammeter.
For my 3G alt I had bought a kit from Fuel Injection Technical Library » 3G Install Tech some time ago and
finally installed on my 86 when I changed the engine. Since it was new, I bought it clocked for my 300-6 install. Works great.
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