Advantages to upgrading alternator
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 186
Likes: 1
From: Voorhees NJ
Advantages to upgrading alternator
So I've got some free time and was considering an alternator upgrade. I've added some extra equipment such as radio, lights,etc. I'm going to install aftermarket power windows and power locks. It doesn't look difficult to do the swap. Is the existing wiring still capable of handling the new alternator? I've also scraped my original ignition system for a Davis Unified Ignition(but I left everything in tact and taped everything up). I've also changed all lighting to LED with relays. Thanks
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,912
Likes: 4,123
From: Angier, NC
So when you say "upgrade" I would think you are talking the 3G swap, yes?
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...-pictures.html
3G_Alternator
Let me say I have not done this swap ...... yet.
Is the existing wiring still capable of handling the new alternator?
No & Yes.
The No - the output of the 3G ALT has to have a heaver gauge wire (cable) and a high amp fuse (think 125 amp) replacing the stock 10 gauge trucks wire as it will burn up and catch fire.
You also have to do something with the charge gauge* wiring or you will have issues.
The Yes- the rest of the wiring can stay and handle the new power.
The * now would be a good time to swap out the non-working factory charge gauge, have you ever seen it move? for a voltage gauge http://www.rccinnovations.com/index....enu-trucks-all
The power windows & locks will not have a big draw on the battery like a killer radio & amp, a lot of non-LED lights would.
The only thing I can see being big draw would be AC (compressor & blower) + Heat (blower) and would say if you are ok now then no need to go swapping out good parts.
That is why I am going to wait till my ALT stops charging and has to be replaced.
That's my thinking on this.
Dave ----
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...-pictures.html
3G_Alternator
Let me say I have not done this swap ...... yet.
Is the existing wiring still capable of handling the new alternator?
No & Yes.
The No - the output of the 3G ALT has to have a heaver gauge wire (cable) and a high amp fuse (think 125 amp) replacing the stock 10 gauge trucks wire as it will burn up and catch fire.
You also have to do something with the charge gauge* wiring or you will have issues.
The Yes- the rest of the wiring can stay and handle the new power.
The * now would be a good time to swap out the non-working factory charge gauge, have you ever seen it move? for a voltage gauge http://www.rccinnovations.com/index....enu-trucks-all
The power windows & locks will not have a big draw on the battery like a killer radio & amp, a lot of non-LED lights would.
The only thing I can see being big draw would be AC (compressor & blower) + Heat (blower) and would say if you are ok now then no need to go swapping out good parts.
That is why I am going to wait till my ALT stops charging and has to be replaced.
That's my thinking on this.
Dave ----
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,831
Likes: 121
From: St Albert, Alberta
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7,174
Likes: 1,174
I still have the stock 1G alternator on my '84, and it performs okay with a very heavy load. During the summer, my truck hauls a camper with a 3-way fridge that draws around 12 amps. It also has to recharge the house battery for the camper. Throw in 14 extra exterior lamps on the camper, an electric fuel pump, heavy AC use (both the blower motor and compressor clutch), and my cheap stereo. No complaints at all.
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