Sorry, I'm a newb. My first (embarassing) question is: Should my stock 2002 7.3L have dual alternators? I've seen this mentioned a couple of times.

Second question is: I would like to upgrade my alternator. What would you recommend?

Thanks!

Beeper

 

 

If you have DUAL alternators on a standard F-250/F-350 it was surly special ordered.

If you are not having any charging issues you already have more than enough alternator (power) for most things you'd want to run.

No need to upgrade at all.

IF you ever need to replace your alternators DON'T!!

Take them to a known, hometown type Auto Electric shop and have THEM REBUILT completely.

 

Two items these trucks go through...alternators and starters. As Supercab said, find your hometown/local rebuilder.

 

6 years later and the alternator and glow plugs are still going strong. I think the key is buying new, not rebuilt. And it does offer an upgrade in power.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...lternator.html

 

is this because of the quality of aftermarket alternators? Or is there a different reason?

 

^This. Or rebuild them yourself. My local alternator shop switched to cheap parts and then the alternator seemed to fail yearly. After the most recent failure, I decided to rebuild my alternator myself.

You can get parts for our 6G alternators from here: https://store.alternatorparts.com/se...1&category=873

 

IMO and a lot of others here YES!

Some folks are easily impressed with a shiny new Alternator in a pretty box...…..

Most are made overseas...….

I am VERY lucky in that I have a reputable, local, hometown auto electric shop about 10 minutes from my house.

In case anyone DOESN'T have one close by and can wait please contact Malabar Auto Electric, in Malabar/Palm Bay, Florida, 321=953-3949, They turn QUICK! They did MY Alternator in less than 4 hours a couple of years ago!

 

Quick Start alternators is a good online, small business to get one from if you don't have a builder near you.

 

No it should not. I'm not sure what package it came with but it was not a common option (as Supercab mentioned).

What Sous said. I was surprised at how few shops in my area rebuild them any more. Many said that it wasn't worth it because most people would rather buy a budget replacement than pay to have their old one rebuilt. The ones that said they'd do it didn't give me a warm fuzzy based on their shop so I opted to buy new ones.

I bought larger alternators from Quick Start with the 6G case and have been very happy with them. There was some slight modification to the bracket but it was pretty easy (the bracket is aluminum and a grinder made quick work of the modification).

 

MY LATE '99 has 153k original miles and is still starting fine with its original starter (Though I'm thinking of pulling it proactively next year at the 20 year mark and have it rebuilt BEFORE it quits) (Lol)

My Alternator required rebuilding at around 130k miles.....

 

When I had my Alternator rebuilt they told me that they used parts that 90% were US made. (Malabar Auto Electric)

The cost of mine was $5.00 cheaper than the cheapest Chinese new or rebuilt from the local big box auto supply store......

 

Another testimony here for Quick Start!

 

Thanks for all of the great support! I'm going to look into the Quick Start Alternator.

I'm looking on this page at Quick Start: https://alternatorparts.com/6g-serie...lternator.html

Should I go 140 or 160? Should I get the plain alternator or upgrade to the Q1 or Q2?

Thanks,

Beeper

PS - I have a 2002 Excursion 7.3L.

PPS - If I stay in the 140 or 160 range will I need to upgrade my wiring?

 

Been running an Oreillys special for 4 or 5 years now.