New Alternator recommendation?
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 88
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From: Phoenix-or-thereabout
New Alternator recommendation?
I did search the archives, and didn't find much I could use, so I thought I'd go directly to the forum. Apologies if a repeat.
1991 f-150 I6 113k miles, 2WD shortbed, EFI. About 40,000 miles on an alternator I replaced 5-6 years ago. Due to an unfortunate radiator explosion (...don't ask...), ironically, the same thing that killed my last alternator (not my fault that time, previous owner failed to properly maintain the truck, I'd had it less than a week), it is time for a new alternator, something that I was thinking about anyway due to the current one being noisy lately and I was noticing some small power issues. I have factory AC, 5 speed M5OD (yeah, I know, but it's given me no problems) and trailer wiring. I'd like input on a reliable alternator, reman vs rebuild vs new (I found Autolite has a new one, but with only 80amps?), brand names and ease of purchase (In otherwords, if it's a 3 week delivery to Phoenix from a warehouse in Northern Michigan, weather permitting, it may not be the best option for me...). Although I don't need to mortage the house on one, I'm not looking for a cheapie. I know opinions are like... Well.. Everyone has one... And I'd be interested in reading them... Please. So...?
1991 f-150 I6 113k miles, 2WD shortbed, EFI. About 40,000 miles on an alternator I replaced 5-6 years ago. Due to an unfortunate radiator explosion (...don't ask...), ironically, the same thing that killed my last alternator (not my fault that time, previous owner failed to properly maintain the truck, I'd had it less than a week), it is time for a new alternator, something that I was thinking about anyway due to the current one being noisy lately and I was noticing some small power issues. I have factory AC, 5 speed M5OD (yeah, I know, but it's given me no problems) and trailer wiring. I'd like input on a reliable alternator, reman vs rebuild vs new (I found Autolite has a new one, but with only 80amps?), brand names and ease of purchase (In otherwords, if it's a 3 week delivery to Phoenix from a warehouse in Northern Michigan, weather permitting, it may not be the best option for me...). Although I don't need to mortage the house on one, I'm not looking for a cheapie. I know opinions are like... Well.. Everyone has one... And I'd be interested in reading them... Please. So...?
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 377
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most common alt upgrade is to the g3 alt...most put out 130 amps from the factory. you will have to change just a couple wires at the alt harness, very simple. you can order a harness from fordfuelinjection.com or just make your own, seems how it is only 3 or 4 wires. this is a list from the wreckers in waht vehicles they came in:
All of these Ford vehicles had the 130amp 3G
(1994-95) Ford Mustang 5.0L
(1994-00) Ford Mustang 3.8L
(1994-97) Ford Thunderbird, Mercury Cougar 3.8L
(1990-95) Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable 3.8L
(1993-99) Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable 3.0L
(1995-98) Ford Windstar 3.8L & 3.0L
(1991-94) Lincoln Continental 3.8L
(1992-97) Ford F Series Pickup
(1992-96) Ford E Series Van
All of these Ford vehicles had the 130amp 3G
(1994-95) Ford Mustang 5.0L
(1994-00) Ford Mustang 3.8L
(1994-97) Ford Thunderbird, Mercury Cougar 3.8L
(1990-95) Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable 3.8L
(1993-99) Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable 3.0L
(1995-98) Ford Windstar 3.8L & 3.0L
(1991-94) Lincoln Continental 3.8L
(1992-97) Ford F Series Pickup
(1992-96) Ford E Series Van
Postmaster
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,854
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Wow, that's alot of juice!
I was checking the spec book on my 83. I lowest possible amp rating was 40. Most were in the 60s, there was a 70, and also a 100. That's it. I suspect the 100 would be for maybe the E_Series with dual air, all power.
I also have a 78 Grand Prix, with air, all power....63 amp.
I would do a little research. Check the autozone site perhaps.
I was checking the spec book on my 83. I lowest possible amp rating was 40. Most were in the 60s, there was a 70, and also a 100. That's it. I suspect the 100 would be for maybe the E_Series with dual air, all power.
I also have a 78 Grand Prix, with air, all power....63 amp.
I would do a little research. Check the autozone site perhaps.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City
After going through four alternators on my 91' f-150, I finally put a ac/delco on and it seems to work fine. Be sure and change your connecters what ever you use and be carefull going with to many amps or you will smoke the fuseable link. It doesn't take much! I've already replaced one due to my last alternator overcharging.
