Going to replace my Alternator.Looking at Napa new 135 for $187 lifetime warranty. Thoughts?
Thoughts on belt?
Thanks Mike

 

Yep...
Advance Auto, use coupon code TRT30 and save $50.

Lifetime warranty, get the 2005 140amp unit, new. Buy on-line and do in store pick-up.

Use the left overs to buy the belt and still pocket the $$ saved!

 

Ok the more I read about 3g /6g the more confused I get.Ordered the pulley,new tensioner.Was going to order the harness,but like to hear some feed back. Also Gates or Goodyear belt?

 

Shouldn't be that hard should it....

The 3G is the 7.3 alternator, large case and delivers about 170amps. It requires the harness to convert it to fit the 6.0 harness. The 3G/6G have the same mount. I carry one as a spare, the harness that is. In case a parts supplier doesn't carry a 6g Alternator, I can grab a 3G and make it work in an emergency.

The 6.0 is a 6G large case alternator and delivers anywhere from 110 amps-?
2003-3004 are normally 110 amps. The 2005 is a 140amp model and there are custom ones putting out upwards of 350Amps... but those are big money and sometime difficult to receive warranty service and long shipping delays.

Most say, use a local parts supplier so warranty service is easier. if you break down, readily available, and get the bigger 140amp alternator in new condition so you get a lifetime warranty. To compensate for the large amp draw during glow plug on-time, use the smaller pulley to get more RPM to increase charging output.

Also upgrade the cables to handle the higher current flow by adding a second cable to the system from the alternator mounting bolt bracket to - battery terminal, clean all battery cable grounds and add additional cable from the + alternator post to the passenger side + battery to reduce amperage loss due to impedance of the smaller cable.

Goodyear belts are fine, Gatorback are also good. I think most are fine for our trucks, just keep them in good working order.

 

I'm switching to the gatorback goodyear one when the time comes -- I've had one on Our Expy for 50K miles and it looks like new. Although you can "hear" the belt (slight whine). You'd never hear it on a 6.0 though

Large case 6G 140A with small pulley works fine for most, you might get a bit more out of a 135A 3G large case, but as you point out, requires the harness...

 

I really like the Dayco belt from Advance Auto. I have about 20k on it with the Mechman 240 amp alternator, no chirps or squeals.

Josh

 

Here's the pigtail you'll need to convert to the 3g large case. This is what I did. The pigtail is well made and clips right on. It also allows you to use either alternator if you got in a bind.





http://www.ebay.com/itm/Alternator-Conversion-Harness-Connector-Lead-Adapter-Ford-6G-TO-3G-w-Stator-lead-/200976771001?hash=item2ecb2627b9&vxp=mtr

 

Another option for the alternator is the Bosch AL7606N. It was a direct replacement and it's been working great for me.

 

Thanks guys. Went with 6g and no core so I have a back up. Now the belt.

 

replaced my alternator with BOSCH AL7606N from Amazon, this is a 135Amp unit with a lifetime warranty..Amazon also has good belt inventory... good luck, Dave

 

The only problem going with this unit... IF service is required, you have to email them for a service ticket and wait for delivery and.... you get the idea. I prefer to just drive over to the parts store and get one, about 30 minutes later being back up and running AND being able to do this just about anywhere, even on vacation.

I'm sure that unit is a good unit, I've not heard anything to the contrary.

 

Good luck finding an alternator builder that can keep a high amp unit together for more than a year.

As far as local rebuild shops, I have found that you will need that warranty service.

 

They can't because of the regulators/rectifiers and diodes used for those applications.... they don't come made "heavy duty", a diode is just a diode.
Now if you want a pretty Anodized one with high output, there are plenty of companies willing to take your money!

 

Sorry about your troubles Chris, you have definitely been around the block on this one haven't you!

I agree though, if you need high amps (or just want it), then go for it, but be prepared to replace the high amp units more often than you would like to! Otherwise stick to the 140 to 190 Amp units that have a good warranty.

 

My truck is an '05 with 83K miles on it, just got it last year. My alternator went bad at the beginning of the summer. When I was troubleshooting it, I discovered it to be a remanufactored unit. So, in 83K miles it has had at least 3 alternators in it! I called around to several of the local auto part stores and all they had were reman's in stock. I figured I'd try a different approach and go with the Bosch, no core charge, plus it was a lot cheaper than it is now on amazon and way cheaper than any at the parts stores were at the time. Can't be worse I figured... If it goes bad, I'll get one from the local parts store with a lifetime warranty to replace it with while I deal with Bosch getting a replacement. It's not a daily driver for me, so I might not even need to do this. Then just keep swapping back and forth with a spare on hand. Seems ridiculous that they only last about 30K miles on average! But, in a previous life, I had an S-10 that wanted a new fuel pump every 35-40K. I'd rather this evil!