Notices
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Bumpsides Ford Truck

alternator swap

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 8, 2015 | 11:18 PM
  #1  
1999stroke's Avatar
1999stroke
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Redding, CA
alternator swap

has anyone on here done a gm 1wire swap on there project? have heard of it being done but don't know if it will work on our trucks?


thanks in advance
jason
 
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2015 | 11:27 PM
  #2  
HIO Silver's Avatar
HIO Silver
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
Originally Posted by 1999stroke
has anyone on here done a gm 1wire swap on there project? have heard of it being done but don't know if it will work on our trucks?

thanks in advance
jason
A few have... but not as many as the lo-buck 3G swap.
 
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2015 | 04:48 AM
  #3  
f100today's Avatar
f100today
Posting Guru
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 16
From: DFW Texas
Don't bother. Just do the Ford 3G alternator swap.
 
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2015 | 08:47 AM
  #4  
351Cleveland C4's Avatar
351Cleveland C4
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 191
From: On the Edge of the Desert
3G 3G 3G 3G 3G
 
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2015 | 01:07 PM
  #5  
qman's Avatar
qman
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,691
Likes: 6
Excuse my ignorance but what is the 3G swap and why?

My assumption is that it is a higher amp swap and I can only guess it is to power a stereo or something.
 
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2015 | 01:35 PM
  #6  
351Cleveland C4's Avatar
351Cleveland C4
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 191
From: On the Edge of the Desert
It is a 95 or 130 amp alternator from the 90's fords. It is internally regulated, and only requires 4 wires to run. 2 of which hook right back to the alternator. So you really only have 2 wires coming off. The large charge cable, and the green/red exciter wire.

It eliminates all the old wiring, the Regulator and is a huge improvement in the charging system. You can grab the alternator and wiring from a junkyard for less than $30....
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2015 | 12:46 PM
  #7  
67dude's Avatar
67dude
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: St. Amant
I did the GM 1 wire swap It was pretty easy and straight forward. It's been on for a couple years with no problems.
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2015 | 02:34 PM
  #8  
sandman2102's Avatar
sandman2102
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
go with a 3 wire, 1 wire parts are hard to find. Also if you have an ampmeter you will need to install avoltmeter because you ampmeter will not work.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Feb 10, 2015 | 03:07 PM
  #9  
67dude's Avatar
67dude
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: St. Amant
I went from the 3G to the 1 wire when my 3G crapped out, for the simplicity and cleaner look. I was running a aftermarket voltmeter so that was already done. I'm not sure what "hard to find" 1 wire parts you will need. I had to make a longer spacer out of some tubing I had laying around the shop. I understand wanting to keep it all Ford, but it was so easy even I could do it lol. I've been burned on too many junkyard alternators so I went with a new one. I still have a 3G on my 67 Mustang and when/if it goes I'll probably go with a 1 wire on it too.
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2015 | 03:17 PM
  #10  
hillcountryflt's Avatar
hillcountryflt
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,031
Likes: 72
Club FTE Gold Member
which one of the popular alternator swaps disables the factory amp meter gauge on our bumps.
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2015 | 04:29 PM
  #11  
HIO Silver's Avatar
HIO Silver
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
Originally Posted by hillcountryflt
which one of the popular alternator swaps disables the factory amp meter gauge on our bumps.
The Ford 3g disables the ammeter.

However, PA Performance sells a voltage regulator which preserves its function: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...l#post12678807

 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2015 | 10:44 PM
  #12  
sandman2102's Avatar
sandman2102
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
My hardn tom find ncomment refers to the internal regulator and if it burns out , a 3wire is more plentiful than a 1wire regulator or so I've been told.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Evan_P
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
134
Nov 21, 2019 12:43 AM
fordka
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
14
Jun 20, 2014 10:09 PM
85F350IDI
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
6
Apr 20, 2014 01:32 AM
SideWinder4.9l
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Jun 22, 2009 12:45 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:39 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE