Do I need to upgrade alternator
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Do I need to upgrade alternator
I have an 02 f250 5.4 w stock alternator. I am going to run an older ultramount plow this year and also a tailgate salter (salt dog tgs06) w vibrator. Would I need to upgrade the alternator for this set up, everything else is just stock. Also, I have a poly dump insert, it runs off a winch, the warn works 3700 winch to be exact. If I install this will I need to upgrade alternator? I have a brand new legend 850 cca battery from Napa.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Pa
It wouldn't hurt though I think you could get by. At work we had a 94' 2500 Chebby with a 350 and stock alternator with a plow and tailgate spreader, it worked fine. There were 2 sizes of alternators that came from the factory. The larger 3G puts out more amps than the smaller 6G in stock form.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
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I plow with a 2006 F350 5.4l that was upgraded to a 135 amp alternator years ago. Works fine; no issues. I think the stock alternator was 115 or something. I also seem to recall being told that the 135 amp was the largest that could be installed.
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From: Pa
You have to figure out which alternator you have. I have a 3G in my 04' which is the larger one and it puts out around 130amps. Both the 6G and 3G can be upgraded internally to put out much more amperage. Several companies off them. I don't see the need to go to a really large output alternator unless you you have some large winches, mega sized stereo, etc.
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From: Pa
As far as I know these are the only 2 in the gas SDs of the 99-04 years. Both alternators pictured on in a V10 but location and mounts should be th esame on the 5.4l.
3G large case. The voltage regulator can be unscrewed from the back without pulling the end of the housing.
6G small case. Back of case has to be pulled to get to the voltage regulator.
3G large case. The voltage regulator can be unscrewed from the back without pulling the end of the housing.
6G small case. Back of case has to be pulled to get to the voltage regulator.
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6g alternator v 3g
I have an 02 f250 5.4 w a 6g stock alternator. I have been looking to upgrade it but the only 6g I can find are $350+ and 200 amps. This is fine but I was hoping to spend less and only need probably 150 amps. Can I install a 3G or it won't fit. Also I have heard there are companies I can send my alternator to that will make it higher output, anyone know anyone that does this?
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Pa
You'll need a new top bracket for the 3G. You can see in the two pics I posted that the top (black) bracket is different. You just need to make sure the lower mount on the alternator case is a V mount.
This place has several upgraded alternators, the 140 amp versions are not priced too bad. https://alternatorparts.com/
This place has several upgraded alternators, the 140 amp versions are not priced too bad. https://alternatorparts.com/
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Fort Smith, Arkansas
I have an 02 f250 5.4 w a 6g stock alternator. I have been looking to upgrade it but the only 6g I can find are $350+ and 200 amps. This is fine but I was hoping to spend less and only need probably 150 amps. Can I install a 3G or it won't fit. Also I have heard there are companies I can send my alternator to that will make it higher output, anyone know anyone that does this?
https://alternatorstarterrebuildkits...duct/6g8310gg/
Click on the red button to order the additional upgrade parts to boost output to ~160 Amps.
You can buy the parts and rebuild it yourself or you can send them yours to have it rebuilt. The only "difficult" part of doing the rebuild yourself is getting it apart I needed to use a hydraulic press, and the slip ring must be melted off and then soldered back on. Other than that it is pretty much a parts swap if the armature is still good.
But,
if it was me I would swap in a large case 3G. Based on what I have read, the larger case dissipates heat better and generally has better charging at lower engine RPM compared to a small case 3G. Add in the high Amp kit to your rebuild and you are in the 200 Amp neighborhood for around $100 plus the cost of the 3G core. The large case 3G seems to be plentiful in salvage yards, I rarely ever see any 6G.
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A new alternator is great and can bring the battery back up quicker, but if you are drawing larger than normal amounts of current regularly, you will hurt the battery even with a heavy alternator bringing it back up quick. Along with the alternator upgrade, you should consider adding a second battery to help balance the load. Do not use a marine battery though if you are hooking in parallel to your current one, use a similar battery to what you have. Best for the battery is to have matching batteries purchased about the same time but at least match your power capabilities or the smaller battery will drag down the larger one over time.
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From: Oregon
Which one of these pictures is the 3G?
As far as I know these are the only 2 in the gas SDs of the 99-04 years. Both alternators pictured on in a V10 but location and mounts should be th esame on the 5.4l.
3G large case. The voltage regulator can be unscrewed from the back without pulling the end of the housing.
6G small case. Back of case has to be pulled to get to the voltage regulator.
3G large case. The voltage regulator can be unscrewed from the back without pulling the end of the housing.
6G small case. Back of case has to be pulled to get to the voltage regulator.
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