Anyone ever install the second alternator option recently on a 2002 7.3L? I found an older post where someone had and it was a bit helpful. My questions really are: what is the level of difficulty? What is the best brand of alternator to use? Will the dual alternators simply run in tandem or do I need to have a switch to choose which alternator to be running from? Lastly, how do you loosen the serpentine belt with the idler pulley, it doesn't seem intuitive?

Thanks! and sorry for all the questions on one post.

 

I want dual alternators.
From what I have read, the dual alternator setup was mostly on service truck and ambulances with another set of auxiallary batterys, which is what Ill be doing soon because of my trailers and winchs I use frequently. As far as how they are hooked up, I wasnt sure if they went to the front two batterys or not. You can tie into the existing wires on the back of the top starter for the keyed power and 12v reference wire, the large charging stud on the back of the second alternator will then go to your battery.

Im not sure if both the alternators will fight over which one charges, or if they will just charge half the load.
Any information about this I am very interested in as well.

 

Honestly, I would not install a second one. Way too much of a pain, plus you will need a new wiring harness. Just get one of those large output alternators, do a search on here and I know there are plenty out there.

A friend of mine has duals and has nothing but problems, and it was installed in his truck from the factory... LOL

 

If ever I needed more average current produced than the stock one I have already does, I would take Layson's advice above, and go with a large-frame, high-output, single.

The second one's regulator is enabled by the PCM only when it senses voltage droop, and then just runs it in parallel to the primary. The problem is going to be the wiring for that regulator and having the proper PCM for the application.

And, as Layson also said, the overall system can become problematic, even from the factory.

I'd be staying with a high-output single system, just for simplicity (and reliability).

Plus, you don't want to have to change a CPS on a dual-alternator-equipped 7.3

Don't say we didn't try to discourage you.....

Pop

 

Heatstroked installed a second on his 2002. check with him

 

I haven't seen him around in a long time.

 

Wow... not a very positive response for the duals. I have them from factory and the ONLY time I had a problem is when I had to replace them both. When one goes you won't know it till the other goes a year later. That's the ONLY draw back.

It's easy to replace them both. Obviously the upper is way easier. It's sitting out in the open under your nose. The alternator underneath is a bit more obnoxious but still easy to do.

They run in tandem. There's no switching that I'm aware of... well, to tell you the truth, I have no idea how it all works. If you had the set up before then you don't need to worry about switches or anything else. Plug in the new ones and go.

I'm not going to recommend a specific brand. I bought mine from Napa and 3 years later both of them are still working, according to an ampmeter test last week while redoing some audio equipment. I was curious so I tested them... I do recall that I asked for the more expensive ones. Everything on my truck is always replaced with something above OEM because it was the OEM that broke in the first place. NO, this theory doesn't always work out the way I want but it's how I justify my expenses...

I wouldn't suggest installing a dual alternator if the truck didn't arrive with one. It's so much easier to just get a bigger one for the existing setup. I would imagine the price is no different either or it might even be lots less!

Good luck and happy wrenching.

 

Oh yeah, loosneing the belt: the pulley has a socket for a 1/2" ratchet or breaker bar. Just crank the bar and the belt loosens right up.

 

He (like me) goes from project to project and will eventually circle back around. I left for a while as modding the boat became the interest at the time. I am back now Heatstroked is a good friend of mine so I know what he is up to. He is moding the crap out of his 2008 vette. (jerk!) He will be back too.

 

I'll be using my second alternator only for my auxially batterys. With all the lights and trailer equipment and winches I use it seems like a good idea to segregate the factory batterys and my golf cart batterys in the back and my trailers.

 

not to high jack but could you put a ac compressor where the dual alternator should go to have on board air? just put a switch on the clutch and where you need air just flip on, i think this would be better than the 12v air compressor i have seen.

 

FORD F TRUCK DIESEL HIGH OUTPUT 220 AMP ALTERNATOR 98 99 00 01 7796: HO-7796-220 AMP ALT DB Electrical Starter-Alternator
Here is a 220 amp solution...

 

WOW
AWESOME FIND
im saving that link for sure, that way when my alt kicks the bucket I can replace it with an awesome one like that.

 

I am pretty sure there is an outfit with a larger one too... You could do some serious welding with that one... LOL

 

Ditto!