Matthew,
There are DOZENS of threads.
The charging plug is known to melt and short internally.
The fusible link is up at the solenoid end.
If the link goes and the alternator senses there is not enough power in the truck, it will go full field.... directly into the already shorted plug, and POOF!

Ford has issued a TSB that states any time the vehicle has any kind of service on the charging system the plug is to be changed.

A lot of us just scrounged up a Taurus alternator and a real charge cable with fuse.
Having a lug and stud eliminates the problem.

Often, the plug shorts and there is a mysterious battery drain.
Mine failed this way twice (and was repaired) before my harness melted down and almost caught on fire.
The third time I said F that, I'm getting rid of the 2G

They ran the 3G in a lot of vehicles ie Taurus, sable, stang, capri , vans, crown vic , trucks etc etc. There are a lot of threads running around with the list of donor vehicles in them. The 3G was made for the newer cars and trucks that run a lot more electrical stuff than the older ones. The swap is as simple as a mod comes. You can score a unit at the JY for $30. Try to get the big fuse also that goes with it. Just trace the big wire back and you will run into it.

i don't think the Capri was still around...

The 95A 3G came in vehicles with mechanical fans and not a lot of power accessories.
Trucks, Vans, base Mustangs...
The 130A 3G versions came in Lincolns, Vic's, Windstars, Sables, Taurui etc...

I guess I should check my alternator plug then, never had a charging issue in the 13 months I've owned it, or a mysteriously drained battery. But I'll check the plug and make sure there aren't any burnt marks or anything like that.

Here's a decent picture of what my alternator looks like : https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...43435324_n.jpg

A different picture with it off to the left hand side : https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...34096019_n.jpg

I still remember the "Capri" I saw in a parking lot in CA. On one side the tape stripe said CAPRI. On the other it said CRAPI. I kid you not. Looked like factory tape stripes. ;)

Looks like a 2nd generation to me.

It's a stock factory 1986 Ford alternator lol.

I'm not talking about a re-badged Fox body Mustang. :-X18

The German import with a small V6 really woke up with an Offenhauser intake and Webers.
Add a cam, some suspension and aero... :D

Yes, that was a whole different vehicle. I forgot about that one.

The Taurus/Sable 3.8L alternator will fit quite well on the V-belt engines, you will need your old pulley though. Hanging that way the plug and stud will end up outboard and slightly down. The Taurus alternator has a right angle adapter that can be removed if you can find the insulator for a straight terminal.

I like your spacer, what part of West Virginia are you from? }>

With the V-belt pulley you often need to add a shim washer on the shaft behind it so it doesn't rub the case.
At least I know I did when I used the 3.8l, 8.25", 130A alternator on my truck.

People are always commenting on the alternator spacer, makes me laugh so hard since it was free lol. I'll be re doing it some day though.

I haven't done anything on my F150 in over a month, so it was nice to arrive home from vacation to find a package waiting for me.

Kyle (first today) was able to locate and send me the last remaining trim molding for my F150. Thanks again Kyle!

Before:

http://imageshack.us/a/img687/5782/dscn0025xt.jpg



After:


http://imageshack.us/a/img18/1923/dscn0028w.jpg

I haven't done anything to my truck for a few days.