alternator options?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Dracut, Massachusetts
alternator options?
Hello all,
I have a 1997 F250HD with a 5.8 that is my daily driver. I also use it for plowing snow, so i have a heavy load on the electrical system. when i use the plow to lift or angle, the headlights dim and the heater blower slows down. the gauge even goes down to about 9v. I know that my alternator is on its way out because i had trouble with it were it was making noise and not charging at all, so its time to replace.
my question is, i have heard that there is a higher amp alternator that will replace my 95 amp one, my parts guy is no help, he said it only shows 95 amp for my truck. what vehicle do i need to look up to find the right part?
Also is the larger alternator a direct bolt in swap? or is more work required?
Thank you
I have a 1997 F250HD with a 5.8 that is my daily driver. I also use it for plowing snow, so i have a heavy load on the electrical system. when i use the plow to lift or angle, the headlights dim and the heater blower slows down. the gauge even goes down to about 9v. I know that my alternator is on its way out because i had trouble with it were it was making noise and not charging at all, so its time to replace.
my question is, i have heard that there is a higher amp alternator that will replace my 95 amp one, my parts guy is no help, he said it only shows 95 amp for my truck. what vehicle do i need to look up to find the right part?
Also is the larger alternator a direct bolt in swap? or is more work required?
Thank you
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 23,667
Likes: 301
From: Easton,Ks
Sounds more like you need a two battery system for your truck as most snow pushing trucks have.
I would think the 130amp alternator for the 1997 7.3L engine would work. Take yours in and compare them.
I would think the 130amp alternator for the 1997 7.3L engine would work. Take yours in and compare them.
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Dracut, Massachusetts
I probably need both... the current alternator is definitely on its way out. So I want to replace it with a higher amp unit.
I'd like to put dual batteries in but there is no easy way to add a second battery. There is no room for a second battery without spending a crap ton on a new battery tray and optima batteries, or moving a bunch of stuff to go the diesel route...
I'd like to put dual batteries in but there is no easy way to add a second battery. There is no room for a second battery without spending a crap ton on a new battery tray and optima batteries, or moving a bunch of stuff to go the diesel route...
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
You probably want to increase the size of both the charge and ground cables to better handle the load and current you're putting on that alternator.
Yes, the side mount 130A 3G should be a direct swap.
The application is the same.
Yes, the side mount 130A 3G should be a direct swap.
The application is the same.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
The 130A is 144mm in diameter and has two holes between the three sets of ribs on the front. (as pictured)
Your 95A is 135mm in diameter and has four holes between the ribs.
Your 95A is 135mm in diameter and has four holes between the ribs.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 23,667
Likes: 301
From: Easton,Ks
Look at the front of the alternator.
You will see 3 pairs of ribs.
If there are four holes between the ribs it is a 95A
If there are two holes between the pairs of ribs it is 130A
/
You will see 3 pairs of ribs.
If there are four holes between the ribs it is a 95A
If there are two holes between the pairs of ribs it is 130A
/
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Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Dracut, Massachusetts
i was looking up the parts inventory at a few local junk yards, and it said that there is also an 80 amp alternator, is there a way to tell that apart?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Easton,Ks
Also your belt will slip with a 215.
It is also not wired with the same setup and also has different size wiring an a 300 amp mega fuse.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Dracut, Massachusetts
ok, thanks thats what i needed to know.