Alternator Upgrade Options
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Ohio
Alternator Upgrade Options
Thanks to input from several people, my 89 F350 is on back on the road with a procomp electric fuel pump in place of the mech-nightmare.
Now that winter is upon us, I am toying around with options for upgrade alternators. I've installed two Duralast gold batteries (I work at autozone...they're decent batteries, and I get a discount...please don't hit me *cringes*)
I'm going to test the alt during my lunch tomorrow in an effort to find the max output...I have a feeling it's a 75 amp (I have a/c). We sell a reman 100A for $80 (before the discount). I've looked around at other stores (advance, pep, napa, main, etc.) and found a few options in the 100-160A range but I thought I might ask the experts first.
Most trips in the truck are less than 10 miles, I have a 50 watt 2M mobile unit, stereo, and the electric fuel pump on at all times. I might add an amp and other toys later...much later.
Any recommendations?
Thanks
~Jon
Now that winter is upon us, I am toying around with options for upgrade alternators. I've installed two Duralast gold batteries (I work at autozone...they're decent batteries, and I get a discount...please don't hit me *cringes*)
I'm going to test the alt during my lunch tomorrow in an effort to find the max output...I have a feeling it's a 75 amp (I have a/c). We sell a reman 100A for $80 (before the discount). I've looked around at other stores (advance, pep, napa, main, etc.) and found a few options in the 100-160A range but I thought I might ask the experts first.
Most trips in the truck are less than 10 miles, I have a 50 watt 2M mobile unit, stereo, and the electric fuel pump on at all times. I might add an amp and other toys later...much later.
Any recommendations?
Thanks
~Jon
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 5
Originally Posted by kc8uvu
Thanks to input from several people, my 89 F350 is on back on the road with a procomp electric fuel pump in place of the mech-nightmare.
Now that winter is upon us, I am toying around with options for upgrade alternators. I've installed two Duralast gold batteries (I work at autozone...they're decent batteries, and I get a discount...please don't hit me *cringes*)
I'm going to test the alt during my lunch tomorrow in an effort to find the max output...I have a feeling it's a 75 amp (I have a/c). We sell a reman 100A for $80 (before the discount). I've looked around at other stores (advance, pep, napa, main, etc.) and found a few options in the 100-160A range but I thought I might ask the experts first.
Most trips in the truck are less than 10 miles, I have a 50 watt 2M mobile unit, stereo, and the electric fuel pump on at all times. I might add an amp and other toys later...much later.
Any recommendations?
Thanks
~Jon
Now that winter is upon us, I am toying around with options for upgrade alternators. I've installed two Duralast gold batteries (I work at autozone...they're decent batteries, and I get a discount...please don't hit me *cringes*)
I'm going to test the alt during my lunch tomorrow in an effort to find the max output...I have a feeling it's a 75 amp (I have a/c). We sell a reman 100A for $80 (before the discount). I've looked around at other stores (advance, pep, napa, main, etc.) and found a few options in the 100-160A range but I thought I might ask the experts first.
Most trips in the truck are less than 10 miles, I have a 50 watt 2M mobile unit, stereo, and the electric fuel pump on at all times. I might add an amp and other toys later...much later.
Any recommendations?
Thanks
~Jon
I can't tell you for sure what car the alternator came out of. When I go scrap yard hopping, I go in, find a wreck, and cut the air bag out of it, then go filling it with goodies. I walked out with three good lookin alternators and a York A/C compressor for under $75.
I was gonna call you out on account of your username, but you already said it... What's your 2m rig? Yaesu 1802? I run one of those in my 4x4 with a 5/8th wave antenna. Can hit repeaters from 60 miles away if conditions are good.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Ohio
Actually, it's technically a 45W. Just an old IC-28H with tone module that I bought this year at the Dayton Hamvention. It's hooked up to a 5/8th whip mag mount. I've got a tru-roof nmo I was going to install but I think I have a new cab selected (meaning I'll wait).
Haven't considered the bone yard approach yet...I will if i get desperate tho.
Have a look at this: http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductD...ype=11&PTSet=A (even if it's a piece of Sh** it's worth a try). Tell me if you think they mean it can run with an internal at 95 or external at 140 (that's what it sounds like to me).
Thanks!
Haven't considered the bone yard approach yet...I will if i get desperate tho.
Have a look at this: http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductD...ype=11&PTSet=A (even if it's a piece of Sh** it's worth a try). Tell me if you think they mean it can run with an internal at 95 or external at 140 (that's what it sounds like to me).
Thanks!
New User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 18
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From: warm climate
kc8uvu for present acc. present alt will be suffice however those short trips at nite all accs running leaves little for batt recovery. 100 amp would be better keep in mind additional accs = higher amp alt. [if u wanna be a BIG GUN]. also wire from output terminal to 12v + may also need upgrading .in this part of 4 land [so fla] cab comfort makes heat optional A/C neccesery. 73s radio amateur butch kg4yub
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2007
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your truck should be equipped with what ford calls the large frame alt. they were all 100 amp alt. and even with all the accessories on they are more than adequate , there is basically no difference in charge rate in either day time or night time driving the regulator increases alt output to match the system load it does not charge more during the day than at night , if you are concerned about its output an amperage test is not the best but a voltage test under load if it maintains at least 12.5 volts under load your good and most likely you will see close to 14 volts , if it is around 12 volts it is under charging
