Replacement alternator

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Nov 17, 2009 | 10:00 AM

f250meangreen

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Replacement alternator

Where is a good place to get a replacement alternator for my 04 F250PSD. Should I stay with the stock 110amp or go up a little? Dealer is saying the alternator is low under load. I have to find out what they measured but this will be another item added to the long list of repairs I am going through. Thanks

Nov 17, 2009 | 06:42 PM

gearloose1

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Get as much output as you can with one alternator... you will not regret it.

Nov 17, 2009 | 08:39 PM

Lubbockguy1979

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From: Lubbock

If you have a reputable alternator shop I would use them. Typically better results than autozone grade stuff and about the same cost.

Nov 17, 2009 | 10:11 PM

BobsF350

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ive used a 7.3l alternator from a start/alernator shop split the case r&r the lug works fine it was 100.00 cash

Nov 18, 2009 | 12:57 AM

howardq99

Mountain Pass

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I think I will upgrade to a large case 160 amp alternator from these guys when my current alternator takes a dive...

1999 & up Ford 7.3L, 6.0L & 6.5L, High output Alternators,

Good Luck!

Nov 18, 2009 | 05:25 AM

bismic

Fleet Owner

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Quote:

Originally Posted by howardq99

I think I will upgrade to a large case 160 amp alternator from these guys when my current alternator takes a dive...

1999 & up Ford 7.3L, 6.0L & 6.5L, High output Alternators,

Good Luck!

Not saying they are still doing it, but on another forum a member got a "group buy" from these folks going. They messed up the order at first (delivered several alternators in a box labled something different than what was ordered). They said it was ONLY a labling issue - that he got the correct units. Then they delivered the rest of the alternators to him. Because of the order issues he checked the output of one - it did not deliver as promised. He checked a bunch more and none of them delivered what was advertised. He returned them all and we scrapped the order.

Just saying - Let the Buyer Beware.

Also - I bought a starter from them for my 7.3L truck - did not last that long. I had the OEM starter re-wound at a local electrical shop w/ a good reputation (as lubbockguy said) and it has been great for several years now.

Nov 18, 2009 | 06:13 AM

DSMMH

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 1,589

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Quote:

Originally Posted by f250meangreen

I got my 160 amp upgraded alternator from below:

1999 & up Ford 7.3L, 6.0L & 6.5L, High output Alternators,

It fit perfect but it came with a smaller pulley then the stock which caused my belt to be loose. I swaped pulleys and have had no problems for 2 years since I did the install.

Also, I installed a second output lead from the alternator. Remember, the OEM output wire is sized for 110 amps. Increasing the output by almost 50% will probably overheat the wire, melt the insulation and reduce the alternator performance. If you are going to run more current you need more wire. I ran a second #2 gauge wire from the alternator output lug to the passenger side battery. Again, no issues with the upgraded alternator.

DSMMH

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Nov 18, 2009 | 06:38 AM

bismic

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Quote:

Originally Posted by DSMMH

It fit perfect but it came with a smaller pulley then the stock which caused my belt to be loose. I swaped pulleys and have had no problems for 2 years since I did the install.
DSMMH

When you go back to the bigger pulley, you de-rate the output of the alternator. I forget the formula, but it is ratioed off of the new vs original pulley size.

Nov 18, 2009 | 11:43 AM

#10

bpounds

Hotshot

Joined: Aug 2006

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From: Whittier, CA

I have had such bad luck with rebuilt/reman alternators, that I'm pretty much at a point where I will only buy new OEM units. At least on a vehicle that I depend on.

Y2K Ford can beat your quoted price on a Ford alt.
www.partsguyed.com

Edit: check on that price. I was looking at the wrong unit, and the list doesn't look complete. Maybe email Ed and ask him for a quote.

Nov 18, 2009 | 05:22 PM

#11

gearloose1

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Given the number of hours required to put a new alternator in, it just doesn't make sense to risk a sub-standard unit for a small savings....

Nov 18, 2009 | 05:33 PM

#12

69cj

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From: Middle Tn.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gearloose1

Given the number of hours required to put a new alternator in, it just doesn't make sense to risk a sub-standard unit for a small savings....

When you say number of hours the way you did, what kind of truck are you referring to? Don't think it's an F series 6.0

Nov 18, 2009 | 06:28 PM

#13

Raul B

Senior User

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just thought i would put this out there but i have seen these first hand and know they are great alternators... they are made here locally to me and if you need prices i can def shoot one over to you

Ford Truck & SUV Alternators

-Raul

Nov 18, 2009 | 07:08 PM

#14

bismic

Fleet Owner

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Quote:

Originally Posted by raul-stealth automotive

Raul - thanks for the post! I have also heard good things about dcpowerinc, but good to hear it from your "first hand experience".

For another choice, I have heard that Ohio Generators is good too. They aren't cheap though!

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Also (FYI) -

For amperage 200 A or over, you will need 2 gauge wire for up to 5 feet; 0 gauge wire for 5 to 15 feet.