I have a single alternater setup on my 03 truck. Has anyone adapted there single alt to a dual alt setup? i have two amps for the stereo and i am putting a full computer in the truck this week so i will need power for a 250watt power supply for that and for the inverter for my lcd screen and external hard drive. Basically i have a bunch of things that need power and don't want to have to worry about one alt not putting out enough. I have new batteries. Where is the best place to get alternaters? Are remanufactured alts ok or is this something to buy brand new? Are they like batteries where i should get two new ones or can i just get one and use the one in the truck now? What else will i need, new serpentine belt, radiator hose? What about the electrical connectors for the second alt, how would i wire that up and what about the harness that plugs into them, would i have to get a harness out of a truck with a dual alt setup or can i splice into the wire harness for that? Sorry for so many questions but if anyone has done this and could help me out or answer any of the questions it will be much appreciated. Thanks

 

Good post, & I'm interestedin the responses you get! (As I'd like to do similar!).

I did read a older post hereabouts in the last week or so about someone asking basically the same..

He got a response saying something about some model of F truck that came standard with twin alts - and a company that converts them to ambulances - who regularly remove the factory bracket and second alt, and they are available on ebay for $60 or something and that you need another tensioner and a different (Longer) serpentine belt!

There were some engine computer issues as well from memory...

Hopefully whoever it was will chime in, as I too, want to run a couple freezers and computers etc inside the truck and am looking for more 12 V current from my truck!

Cheers!

 

I read those same posts to. From what i understand from them is he was running two alts that put out 180 amps or something and there was an article from ford(the link didn't work anymore) but the guy that posted it said it said when you have dual alts they have to be under 110amps. I tied sending him a message and haven't got a response yet(don't know if i'll get any or if he's even around anymore). Hopefully someone will come along that has done this or knows how to do this. Thanks

 

Well the "ambulance package" trucks come from Ford with the Dual Alt setup so powerstroke shop or millenium ford should have all the needed bracketry available.
I think it was determined that the dual 180's were to hot for the OEM wiring.

 

Thanks alan. What amp alts should i use? I read something about the ambulance package coming with dual 110 amp alts? How do i tell how many amps my alt is? thanks for any help.

 

Dont quote me but I think ours run dual 140's. The plate on the alt should be stamped with the output.

 

Thanks again Alan. If you get a chance some time would you be able to double check the amps of your duals. I would hate to buy all this stuff just to end up with the problems of getting to hot from to many amps. Thanks

 

It'll be Tuesday but I'll find out.

 

Thanks Alan. I did some searching and read that the 7.3 has a different front casting, wire harness and pcm for dual alternators. Sounds like alot of work! I have been searching but can't find a bracket. There is another post that said they used a bracket so I will continue to search till i find out. Your ambulances are 7.3 not 6.0 right. Thanks again, i would leave rep points but it says i must spread it around.

 

We have a mix, all of the reserves are still 7.3's.

 

http://www.highoutputalternator.com has a 180 amp alternator for your year application without the ambulance package. Thats 70 more amps than your OEM unit and I would think it would be enough to run what you are doing. They specialize in alternators for high power audio systems. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the link but i would like to go with the dual alts for a couple of reasons. Dual 140 alts will put out alot of amps, be less strain than trying to get that kind of amps from one alt which means they will generate less heat and last longer. I have two big amps for my stereo and adding a full computer and have a bunch of other electronics drawing power so if two alts is possible at a reasonable price i would like to go that route so i don't have to worry about power any more, besides horse power!

 

They must be very big amps because a buddy of mine is running a full PC in his car and has 2 1400 watt amps for 2 subs and he is using a 140 amp alternator in his eclipse with no charging problems at all.

 

I am trying to avoid having a charging problem and not overworking the stock alt. All i am trying to do(if it's cost effective) is provide plenty of power so. two alts working to provide power instead of one working overtime to provide the same power. I believe i can do this for about the same price as a single high output alt which is wound tight and heats up more. A stock alt from what i read puts out around 60 amps at idle, that means if your buddy with two big amps is idling and listening to music he is drawing off the batteries and the alt is working hard to try to supply what it can since he is drawing around or over 100 amps from his big amps. I don't have the stereo cranked very much where it would draw that much power but i like to do things right and not overwork part of the truck if i don't have to. Maybe it will be overkill but at least i won't have to worry about it.

 

I see where you are going Ponch but am not sure it is necessary. Those bambulance packages run some serious equipment. I would go with a high output single unit (with warranty) and keep an eye on things. Sure it may draw on the batts from time to time but WTH, we have 2 large ones. Like anything, watch and know what you are doing and you'll be fine. That dual unit will surely set you back, and then you will not even come close to taxing it. Old saying, KISS. Keep It Simple Stupid. Work out your amperage needs and calculate your requirement. Even exceeeding it, it will only be while maxed out so normal running you should be fine. Skip the heat concern in the alt if that is your big concern. If warranteed, you'll be fine.
If you think you are way beyond that, I would say you are preparing for some serious audioshow-off competitions and that is not my bag.