3g Upgrade for Les$

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Dec 30, 2016 | 09:54 AM

F-250 restorer

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From: Near Los Angeles

3g Upgrade for Les$

A few years back I did the 3g upgrade on my truck. I am happy with it.

But my j/y alternator lasted about 3 years. No problem. I had a spare j/y 3g. That one died in two months! A.Zone wanted $190 for a rebuilt, plus a core!
So ... I started looking around.

I found an excellent vid on youtube, that was professional and helpful:

Through the vid producers' site, I found I could buy a rebuild kit, for a 3g, complete with bearings, voltage regulator, brushes and housing, slip collar, for only $29.32. That is quite a difference from $180 at A.Zone!
https://alternatorstarterrebuildkits.com/product/3g/

They also sell kits to boost the output of your alt. 40-50 amps.

Jan 2, 2017 | 12:57 PM

SixPoppin'

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It seems that electrical equipment (not electronic), plumbing, and automotive brakes are some dark forbidden art to the general public and prices reflect it. Truth be known, all three are fairly simple and cheap to repair...if you do the work yourself. Bravo for saving money with a scant amount of effort! That pays for other truck goodies.

Jan 4, 2017 | 03:26 AM

FALLN_69F100

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From: CA

My jy 3g also died recently. The video you linked is actually who I bought my rebuild kit from. It's been about 3 months now and its still going strong. We will if it holds up as long as oem stuff

Jan 4, 2017 | 10:16 AM

AbandonedBronco

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From: Boise, Idaho

Great video, thanks for sharing!
I've always been curious, what's the point of upgrading the alternator? (Legitimate question, I don't know the reasoning behind it.)

Jan 4, 2017 | 10:55 AM

F-250 restorer

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From: Near Los Angeles

Hello AB--

The answer is simple. If you change to a 3g, that means going from the oem 70 amp alternator, to the 3g 130 amp alternator. You also get rid of excess wires, and external regulator, in the engine compartment. The Ford Taurus alt fits the Ford bracket.

I can't say for other members, but I changed to power an electric fan.

However, if you don't need more amps, there's no reason to change.

Jan 4, 2017 | 12:57 PM

1986F150six

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From: Sheffield, AL

Quote:

Originally Posted by F-250 restorer

However, if you don't need more amps, there's no reason to change.

I fall into that category of not needing more output, since my truck has only original equipment. I was recently surprised [pleasantly] when I took my 60 amp G2 alternator to our local rebuild shop, where two older men have been rebuilding alternators, generators and starters for many years. My alternator had failed to charge. The owner said that I could leave mine and come back the next day [I need my truck as it is a daily driver] or I could just swap it for one he had rebuilt and was "on the shelf". I chose the 2nd option and was very pleased to find that it was a 75 amp variant!

By the way, $60 out the door! Support your local businesses, when possible.

Jan 4, 2017 | 01:05 PM

AbandonedBronco

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From: Boise, Idaho

Quote:

Originally Posted by F-250 restorer

I suppose that would've made sense if I'd thought about it.

KC lights, winch, etc. are all going to be using a lot more juice. And probably necessary if you get a bigger sound system, subwoofers, and the like, too.

Quote:

I fall into that category of not needing more output, since my truck has only original equipment. I was recently surprised [pleasantly] when I took my 60 amp G2 alternator to our local rebuild shop, where two older men have been rebuilding alternators, generators and starters for many years. My alternator had failed to charge. The owner said that I could leave mine and come back the next day [I need my truck as it is a daily driver] or I could just swap it for one he had rebuilt and was "on the shelf". I chose the 2nd option and was very pleased to find that it was a 75 amp variant!

By the way, $60 out the door! Support your local businesses, when possible.

Yeah, that's the camp I fall into. About the most I've done is upgrade my headlights, but I doubt that does a whole lot. And I think I grabbed a 75amp version when I last replaced my alternator.

I agree though, local shops like that are great!