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swapping alternators?

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Old Mar 9, 2008 | 01:15 PM
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swapping alternators?

I just put a brand new battery in my truck and after about two weeks of daily driving it died and I had to jump start it. I'm thinkin I ned a new alternator and one with a little more power since I have a pioneer stereo amp and sub that draw alot of power. I don't want to spend a whole lot for a high power one but I need something cuz I'm getting tired of driving without music playing. Anyone know where I might be able to find a good alternator fo a good price?
 
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Old Mar 9, 2008 | 01:29 PM
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The Ford 3G alternator is a good choice. They are not the cheapest at 150-200. But they will give you a reliable 130 amps.

Jason
 
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Old Mar 9, 2008 | 04:42 PM
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130 amps if you buy the right version of it.

http://fullsizebronco.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26658

 
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Old Mar 9, 2008 | 04:46 PM
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Why not install a battery isolator plus, a Deep Cycle battery in it to power the stereo and have the main battery for the truck needs ?

I would suggest the 100 amp alt that they put in E-series vans no larger.

If you go larger you have to rewire some circuits.

This has been discussed in depth in the electrical forum where Dave (Franklin) hangs out
 
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Old Mar 9, 2008 | 04:53 PM
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Dennis, are you referring to the large case 1G alternator they used (primarily) in cars up till 80something?
 
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Old Mar 9, 2008 | 05:12 PM
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I've thought about running a second battery for the stereo but my onlt problem is that I'm not sure what kind of battery and how to wire it. Where would be the best place to look for a 100 amp alternator?
 
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Old Mar 9, 2008 | 05:20 PM
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In an 70's-early 80's E-series van that is loaded with options

It has the V-belt pulley on it.

I am doing the same to my truck this coming summer because I have a stereo in the cab and another one in the back under the canopy.

I have an model 27 RV Gel Battery that I use in my trailer

Slow charge..slow discharge.

In the electrical forum the discussion of matching batteries due to the charging system and the battery porperties.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2008 | 05:37 PM
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do the 3g altenators wire the same as the factory ones?
 
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Old Mar 9, 2008 | 06:05 PM
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The 3g swap requires a larger 4ga charge cable as the higher amps will fry the smaller stock cable and a large inline fuse. It's also internally regulated so you would'nt need the external regulator. Most were used with a serpentine belt, so you'd have to locate a v groove pulley. One company offers them with a dual v groove pulley due due belt slippage, so with that one you'd also need a crank or water pump dual groove pulley as well. I'm installing a 3g on mine soon as I'm converting to EFI in a couple of months.
If you're just running an amp, you may be better off doing like Mil1ion suggested with the van unit. Seems like a lot less hassle.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2008 | 06:26 PM
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Old Mar 9, 2008 | 06:52 PM
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I believe that these are all donors for the 130 amp version.
94-96 Mustang 3.8 V-6
94-95 Mustang 5.0
94-96 Thunderbird 3.8 V-6 (non SC)
95-96 Windstar 3.0 V-6 (most are 3.8's)
93-96 E/F series Trucks/Vans 4.9 L6*
96 Sable 3.0 V-6
94-96 Cougar 3.8 V-6

I ran a 130 amp version of the large case, ext regulated 1G that MasterBeavis is talking about. I switched to the 3G because it is more efficient and peaks output at a lower RPM. The only change I made to the wiring was to run a 4 ga wire from the alternator to the + side of the starter relay. To fit my V belt 302, I had a early smog dual groove pulley machined to fit. One belt routes through the stock routing (alter, wp, and crank) The other goes all the way across to the P/S pulley. I have a 3 groove crank pulley to put on someday so that I can isolate the P/S pump and make it a bit cleaner.

Jason
 
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Old Mar 10, 2008 | 05:24 PM
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Did you check the voltage regulator?
 
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Old Mar 10, 2008 | 07:14 PM
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mine is the rear terminal ev how many amps do they put out?
 
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Old Mar 10, 2008 | 09:50 PM
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It is stamped right on the case.
 
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Old Mar 11, 2008 | 12:17 AM
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Would an alternator off an 81 ford work in my 77? a friend of mine has it and doesn't need it. He has no clue how many amps it is or if it is any good. Before I take it I was wondering if this alternator will even work on my truck. Any thoughts?
 
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