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1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Bumpsides Ford Truck

alternator swap

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Old Feb 8, 2015 | 11:18 PM
  #1  
1999stroke's Avatar
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alternator swap

has anyone on here done a gm 1wire swap on there project? have heard of it being done but don't know if it will work on our trucks?


thanks in advance
jason
 
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Old Feb 8, 2015 | 11:27 PM
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Originally Posted by 1999stroke
has anyone on here done a gm 1wire swap on there project? have heard of it being done but don't know if it will work on our trucks?

thanks in advance
jason
A few have... but not as many as the lo-buck 3G swap.
 
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Old Feb 9, 2015 | 04:48 AM
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Don't bother. Just do the Ford 3G alternator swap.
 
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Old Feb 9, 2015 | 08:47 AM
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3G 3G 3G 3G 3G
 
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Old Feb 9, 2015 | 01:07 PM
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Excuse my ignorance but what is the 3G swap and why?

My assumption is that it is a higher amp swap and I can only guess it is to power a stereo or something.
 
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Old Feb 9, 2015 | 01:35 PM
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It is a 95 or 130 amp alternator from the 90's fords. It is internally regulated, and only requires 4 wires to run. 2 of which hook right back to the alternator. So you really only have 2 wires coming off. The large charge cable, and the green/red exciter wire.

It eliminates all the old wiring, the Regulator and is a huge improvement in the charging system. You can grab the alternator and wiring from a junkyard for less than $30....
 
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Old Feb 10, 2015 | 12:46 PM
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I did the GM 1 wire swap It was pretty easy and straight forward. It's been on for a couple years with no problems.
 
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Old Feb 10, 2015 | 02:34 PM
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go with a 3 wire, 1 wire parts are hard to find. Also if you have an ampmeter you will need to install avoltmeter because you ampmeter will not work.
 
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Old Feb 10, 2015 | 03:07 PM
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I went from the 3G to the 1 wire when my 3G crapped out, for the simplicity and cleaner look. I was running a aftermarket voltmeter so that was already done. I'm not sure what "hard to find" 1 wire parts you will need. I had to make a longer spacer out of some tubing I had laying around the shop. I understand wanting to keep it all Ford, but it was so easy even I could do it lol. I've been burned on too many junkyard alternators so I went with a new one. I still have a 3G on my 67 Mustang and when/if it goes I'll probably go with a 1 wire on it too.
 
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Old Feb 10, 2015 | 03:17 PM
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which one of the popular alternator swaps disables the factory amp meter gauge on our bumps.
 
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Old Feb 10, 2015 | 04:29 PM
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Originally Posted by hillcountryflt
which one of the popular alternator swaps disables the factory amp meter gauge on our bumps.
The Ford 3g disables the ammeter.

However, PA Performance sells a voltage regulator which preserves its function: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...l#post12678807

 
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Old Feb 10, 2015 | 10:44 PM
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My hardn tom find ncomment refers to the internal regulator and if it burns out , a 3wire is more plentiful than a 1wire regulator or so I've been told.
 
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