Notices
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel 2003 - 2007 F250, F350 pickup and F350+ Cab Chassis, 2003 - 2005 Excursion and 2003 - 2009 van

High Output Alternator?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 31, 2014 | 10:30 PM
  #1  
Totally Tuna's Avatar
Totally Tuna
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 144
Likes: 1
High Output Alternator?

If I go with a 185amp Alternator from DC Power will I need to upgrade my wire that connects to output post?
 
Reply
Old Jul 31, 2014 | 10:54 PM
  #2  
Yahiko's Avatar
Yahiko
Fleet Owner
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27,307
Likes: 549
From: Spanaway
Well at that amperage you should.
If you have #4 copper the max length
should not be more than 6' and your
also going to want to put a fuse in
the line because that cable will hold
up long enough to start a nice big fire.

If you want to look at a sizing calculator try this one
Wire Size Calculator | GTSparkplugs

Sean
 
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2014 | 12:26 PM
  #3  
Totally Tuna's Avatar
Totally Tuna
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 144
Likes: 1
What size cable is on the truck stock? Is that cable big enough for a 185 amp alternator?
 
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2014 | 01:55 PM
  #4  
Toreador_Diesel's Avatar
Toreador_Diesel
FTE Leadership Emeritus
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,245
Likes: 758
From: Houston, Texas
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by Totally Tuna
What size cable is on the truck stock? Is that cable big enough for a 185 amp alternator?
If you ask me, no...

It's some dinky wiring that seems to be just enough to keep the truck running within spec.

This is 2/0 wiring that I installed last weekend: Super Start® 04357 - Battery Cable | O'Reilly Auto Parts

It's designed for a 7.3, but can be made to work with a 6.0.

-The wire that goes down to the starter is already 2/0, so you're better off NOT replacing the cable all the way down to the starter. Simply cut the existing cable and new cable, use a butt connector to connect them, then cover with shrink wrap.

-The harness .5 to 1 inch too short to reach the driver side battery. You'll need a small piece of 2/0 wire, 2 butt connectors to splice, and some shrink wrap, but it'll reach.

That's all I really had to do to make it work and it's much better than having to make your own cable.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Dogdare
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
4
Dec 14, 2018 07:27 PM
BLDTruth
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
28
Mar 19, 2018 08:20 AM
strokin'_tatsch
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
32
Jun 12, 2013 12:21 PM
matttaubert
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
6
Mar 2, 2008 09:41 PM
JBronco
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
20
Oct 14, 2004 09:57 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:48 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE