Alternator upgrade
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,055
Likes: 167
From: Central Texas
Pardon my ignorance, and hyjack, on this subject as I have been running the standard Ford alt setup forever and never had an issue. My '65 still sports the original regulator.
Do these trucks run a "1G" alternator? And while I agree the factory setup has enough to get the job done, what am I looking for "if" the alt decides to exit the chat, as they say? The charge light flickers occasionally at idle or low RPM. The wiring is already a mess, so if I have to change I might as well join the lemmings and upgrade?
Do these trucks run a "1G" alternator? And while I agree the factory setup has enough to get the job done, what am I looking for "if" the alt decides to exit the chat, as they say? The charge light flickers occasionally at idle or low RPM. The wiring is already a mess, so if I have to change I might as well join the lemmings and upgrade?
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,273
Likes: 1,233
Pardon my ignorance, and hyjack, on this subject as I have been running the standard Ford alt setup forever and never had an issue. My '65 still sports the original regulator.
Do these trucks run a "1G" alternator? And while I agree the factory setup has enough to get the job done, what am I looking for "if" the alt decides to exit the chat, as they say? The charge light flickers occasionally at idle or low RPM. The wiring is already a mess, so if I have to change I might as well join the lemmings and upgrade?
Do these trucks run a "1G" alternator? And while I agree the factory setup has enough to get the job done, what am I looking for "if" the alt decides to exit the chat, as they say? The charge light flickers occasionally at idle or low RPM. The wiring is already a mess, so if I have to change I might as well join the lemmings and upgrade?
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 445
Likes: 94
From: Texas, near Houston
I just dont see the need for the 3G if you dont have extra electrical load than what the factory had 
If you drive it long enough to put back into the battery what you pulled out from starting even with the head lights & heater on you will not have a problem.
Going on 6 years now without a dead battery from the 1G ALT.
Dave ----
If you drive it long enough to put back into the battery what you pulled out from starting even with the head lights & heater on you will not have a problem.
Going on 6 years now without a dead battery from the 1G ALT.
Dave ----
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,273
Likes: 1,233
My truck has the 2G alternator with the on board regulator. It has plugs that attach to the alternator. Some people have said the plugs come loose and can cause fires. If you have the 2G be aware that they can be clocked in different orientations. Make sure any plug ins are on the top or side of the alternator. If clocked wrong I could see a plug vibrating out. But mine have stayed tight and right because they are assisted by gravity. I do know that the same alternator was used on different vehicles and was clocked differently for them. So if you get a 2G replacement be sure to take your old one with you. Otherwise you could walk out with one that might not work well for you.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,654
Likes: 1,158
From: Tolland, CT
My truck has the 2G alternator with the on board regulator. It has plugs that attach to the alternator. Some people have said the plugs come loose and can cause fires. If you have the 2G be aware that they can be clocked in different orientations. Make sure any plug ins are on the top or side of the alternator. If clocked wrong I could see a plug vibrating out. But mine have stayed tight and right because they are assisted by gravity. I do know that the same alternator was used on different vehicles and was clocked differently for them. So if you get a 2G replacement be sure to take your old one with you. Otherwise you could walk out with one that might not work well for you.
Last edited by Max Capacity; Mar 17, 2026 at 10:37 AM.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,977
Likes: 2,733
From: Virginia
Pardon my ignorance, and hyjack, on this subject as I have been running the standard Ford alt setup forever and never had an issue. My '65 still sports the original regulator.
Do these trucks run a "1G" alternator? And while I agree the factory setup has enough to get the job done, what am I looking for "if" the alt decides to exit the chat, as they say? The charge light flickers occasionally at idle or low RPM. The wiring is already a mess, so if I have to change I might as well join the lemmings and upgrade?
Do these trucks run a "1G" alternator? And while I agree the factory setup has enough to get the job done, what am I looking for "if" the alt decides to exit the chat, as they say? The charge light flickers occasionally at idle or low RPM. The wiring is already a mess, so if I have to change I might as well join the lemmings and upgrade?
Its Comin Right for us!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 12,135
Likes: 2,629
From: GA
Just pick one and try it then. If they make one to exactly fit your truck and bolt on. If you can't find one that bolts on and requires modification, you might as well buy a older GM alternator and install it. It's very simple to hook up, it has two wires. One thick one to charge the battery, and one smaller one that the green/red Ford wire hooks to. It's what I am running on my Bronco II. Many many tractors and equipment use that style GM alternator also. It is what my Case backhoe has on it.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,055
Likes: 167
From: Central Texas
The "1G" is the alternator with the external regulator. All these trucks used these type alternators till around 1986 when they went to the "2G" alternator with the internal regulator. Problem is, they got the great idea to use twin slip on connectors for the output connection and these can work loose and heat up. Not sure when the quit using the 2G and went to the 3G. Probably mid 90's.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,654
Likes: 1,158
From: Tolland, CT
Go to the store and talk to them. Hard to find on-line. To me anyways...
I found some 1 wire Alt's but they seem to be $250+
Last edited by Max Capacity; Mar 17, 2026 at 02:29 PM.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,654
Likes: 1,158
From: Tolland, CT
Notice on my 2G the power connector is part of the Alt, no more fire risk. I'll assume they have the same for the 3G ...? IDK.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 445
Likes: 94
From: Texas, near Houston
Last edited by Denzil B; Mar 17, 2026 at 03:15 PM.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,952
Likes: 509
From: Edmond, OK
Here's another good article on installing a 3G alternator.
https://mtg-next-web.default/how-to/...or-older-fords
Last edited by Olds64; Mar 17, 2026 at 06:44 PM.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 207
From: Washington
Here's a post with 3G info and photos, for a 6 cylinder engine.
The information will still be helpful for other engines.
You can buy both plugs for the 3G alternator on eBay for under $20.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...or-swap-2.html
Jim
The information will still be helpful for other engines.
You can buy both plugs for the 3G alternator on eBay for under $20.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...or-swap-2.html
Jim
Last edited by JimsRebel; Mar 18, 2026 at 10:26 AM.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,977
Likes: 2,733
From: Virginia
They went back to the big stud with the nut for the 3G output wire. They still use slip on plugs on the control wires, but they never give much trouble.
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