I need to replace my alternator in my 1988 F-150. I am not sure exactly how to remove it. All of the manuals are very general and the alternator looks a little different. I do not see a pivot arm. Am I supposed to use the main tensioner to loosen the belt. Then which bolts should I remove to take it out. I don't want to pull one and then not be able to put it back.

 

take the belt off using the tensioner, and look at the alternator from the front of the truck looking directly at it. On the right side of the alternator there should be 1 bolt that needs to come off, and then there should be 1 long bolt on the very bottom, that too needs to come out. Hope this helps.

 

Beautiful, thank you! I started doing all of that, but thought I should double check first!

 

Your Welcome!! I've got an 88 f150 302 4x4 with a plow, so I'm glad to help.

 

make sure you unhook the batery first.

 

I figured that was a given...

 

i guess it should be.. an old mechanic told me about his friend who lost a finger because his wedding ring shorted out while changing a starter. i always think safety first.

 

Yep, my battery is unhooked. Nice that you thought to mention it though, better safe than sorry.

 

Also when you UNPLUG (2 plugs) the alternator make sure the lower plug is in acceptable shape. Should not be heat brittle, or show burn marks. The Rectifier gets really hot and this plug tends to break down and contribute to a lot of alternator problems. Replacement cost is btwn $5-7 at parts store.

Most rebuilts recommend replacement of the plug anyway to maintain warranty.

Larry