460 2g to 3G alternator ?
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX area
It's time to change out my alternator as well. 89 F350 w/460 + manual 4x2 crew cab. Measuring from one mount bolt across to the other is 7" so I believe I have the small case compatible setup.
It has a 2G 60A in there now. I looked at the local junkyards for the small case 130A and came up empty. There's one way up in Killeen (I'm in Austin) but it doesn't seem worth the difference in price.
They have one from a 96 Windstar 3.8L for $40. Core charge is $10 and $15 for shipping. With tax it's $68+ for something with a 30 day warranty that I'm not 100% certain will fit.
I found this on Amazon. I believe the part number is right, but I am basing that off of this post
Can anyone confirm the Amazon one would work? For $12 difference it seems like the better way to go.
It has a 2G 60A in there now. I looked at the local junkyards for the small case 130A and came up empty. There's one way up in Killeen (I'm in Austin) but it doesn't seem worth the difference in price.
They have one from a 96 Windstar 3.8L for $40. Core charge is $10 and $15 for shipping. With tax it's $68+ for something with a 30 day warranty that I'm not 100% certain will fit.
I found this on Amazon. I believe the part number is right, but I am basing that off of this post
Can anyone confirm the Amazon one would work? For $12 difference it seems like the better way to go.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 4
From: Washington
Going by the picture no, the description also states it's for the diesel and 302. You want a one of these parts: 1997 FORD TAURUS 3.0L V6 OHV Alternator / Generator | RockAuto
The wire connections will be pointing in the wrong direction, but you can take the case apart and rotate it.
The wire connections will be pointing in the wrong direction, but you can take the case apart and rotate it.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Osburn, ID
The one I ordered was for a 460 and had 7" spacing between mounting ears. Ordered it off amazon from db electric. Works great, installation was easy, and I did not have to reclock it. I used a mega fuse and 4 gauge wiring between it and the battery.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
It's time to change out my alternator as well. 89 F350 w/460 + manual 4x2 crew cab. Measuring from one mount bolt across to the other is 7" so I believe I have the small case compatible setup.
It has a 2G 60A in there now. I looked at the local junkyards for the small case 130A and came up empty. There's one way up in Killeen (I'm in Austin) but it doesn't seem worth the difference in price.
They have one from a 96 Windstar 3.8L for $40. Core charge is $10 and $15 for shipping. With tax it's $68+ for something with a 30 day warranty that I'm not 100% certain will fit.
I found this on Amazon. I believe the part number is right, but I am basing that off of this post
Can anyone confirm the Amazon one would work? For $12 difference it seems like the better way to go.
It has a 2G 60A in there now. I looked at the local junkyards for the small case 130A and came up empty. There's one way up in Killeen (I'm in Austin) but it doesn't seem worth the difference in price.
They have one from a 96 Windstar 3.8L for $40. Core charge is $10 and $15 for shipping. With tax it's $68+ for something with a 30 day warranty that I'm not 100% certain will fit.
I found this on Amazon. I believe the part number is right, but I am basing that off of this post
Can anyone confirm the Amazon one would work? For $12 difference it seems like the better way to go.
As has been said, *if you want a 130A with 7" mounting ears* you want an alternator intended for 3.0l V6 from a 1993 Taurus/Sable.
DB Electrical has a good warranty and a presence on Amazon or Ebay.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007Z1U7GE/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1485244522&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=ford+alternator+ 1993+3.0&dpPl=1&dpID=51KvnNg%2BiYL&ref=plSrch
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 371
Likes: 4
PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE POST BEFORE ASKING QUESTIONS!!!
Had to start this thread since there is much misinformation and confusion about the 3G alternator upgrade. This is not an install thread, just a guide on where to get the alt you need, a wiring diagram, and pulley sizing. All photos and some of the text is courtesy of Ryan McCormick.
Why go 3G?
Because your factory alternator is barely adequate for your truck, stock.
Added off-road lights or a big stereo?
You need a bigger alternator!
Need me to show you?
And that's alternator RPM, not engine rpm. The alt spins much faster than the engine.
Alt RPM = Engine RPM x Crank Pulley Diameter ÷ Alt Pulley Diameter.
87-92 is the blue line.
93-96 is the green line.
78-86 is less than the blue line.
There are 3 different mounting styles for the 3G alternator that can be used as an upgrade on other vehicles:
If you have a 66-86, anything with v-belts, or a 87-98 300 (4.9L) or 460 (7.5L): you'll need a Pivot Mount w/ 8.25” ear spacing alternator. Some 90, any 91-92, and some 93-99 non DOHC Ford Taurus will be able to donate it's alternator to your truck. On your v-belt truck, you may also be able to use one that fits the 87-92 serpentine setup (Pivot Mount w/ 7.00” ear spacing) but some may have fitment issues with smog pump location. The Pivot Mount w/ 8.25” ear spacing can be swapped into:
1966-1986 V-belt Mustangs
1966-1987 V-Belt Broncos/E-Series/F-series
1992-1997 4.9L & 7.5L Bronco/F-Series/E-Series
Other V-belt vehicles that can adjust to an 8.25” wide Pivot mount alternator
A wide-eared Taurus alt will ONLY fit a 302 or 351W if it is a V-belt setup since it's wider than a serpentine one.
If you have an 87-92 302 (5.0L) or 351W (5.8L): you have a 2G alternator. This is an early serpentine style. This can only be replaced with a Pivot Mount w/ 7.00” ear spacing alternator. Minor bracket clearancing may be required. This can be found in the following cars:
93-99 narrow-eared non-DOHC Taurus
94-95 V8 Mustang
94-00 V6 Mustang
94-97 V6 T-Bird/Cougar
95-98 Windstar
91-94 V6 Lincoln Continental.
The early serpentine car and truck alts on Ryan's site are interchangable but the plug and charge stud are clocked differently to fit the wiring to the bracket better. The Pivot Mount w/ 7.00” ear spacing can be swapped into:
1987-1992 Broncos/E-Series/F-series
1966-1995 Mustangs
Other vehicles that use a 7.00” wide Pivot mount alternator
If you have a 93-96 302 (5.0L) or 351W (5.8L): you have a Side Mount 3G already but a 95 amp one. You DO NOT need to get a wiring harness, as since you already have a 3G, it's plug and play!!! I strongly urge you to get a larger charge cable and megafuse though.
For a 130 amp, you can get that for a:
93-96 V8 Econoline with Air Conditioning or the High Output Alternator options
97-03 V6 Econoline E-Series or F-150
95-01 4.0 V6 Explorer or Ranger
at your local parts house for less than eBay.]
You'll need the one for late serp. vehicles.
The Side Mount can be swapped into:
1993-1997 5.0L, 5.8L & 7.3L Bronco/F-Series/E-Series
Other vehicles that use a Side Mount alternator
Or you could try to find one like that at a junkyard but good luck.
Plug Clocking: Each style may have the rear plugs clocked 3 different ways to fit their various vehicles better. They will still fit no matter the clocking but you can remove the case bolts, and reclock the rear to get your optimum position.
Charge Cables: When you swap from a 1G or a low output 3G to a 130 or more amp 3G, although you do not NEED a larger charge cable such as a 2 Gauge, it is a great idea. Smaller wires/cables cannot always handle such a load and they tend to heat up, some to the point of melting the wire and could start a fire. ALWAYS make sure you use a megafuse rated at least 15-25 amps above your alternator amperage.
Pulleys: For pulleys, you can either re-use your old one, which sometimes you may need a very small washer to use as a spacer if it rubs in the 3G case at all, or you can get a different sized one. It all depends on your needs. A smaller pulley will spin the alternator faster at idle to create maximum output. A larger pulley will allow the engine to rev higher without driving the alternator to fast. Large 3G alternators are safe to ~15,000RPM max. Again, Alt RPM = Engine RPM x Crank Pulley Diameter ÷ Alt Pulley Diameter.
Factory Carb Users:
If you have a Factory Ford carburetor (Holley model 4180) with a wire that connects directly to your 1G alt to your electric choke, get a 12 volt electric choke for a Holley 4160, P/N 45-223, and swap it out. Then wire the new choke to 12 volts.
Had to start this thread since there is much misinformation and confusion about the 3G alternator upgrade. This is not an install thread, just a guide on where to get the alt you need, a wiring diagram, and pulley sizing. All photos and some of the text is courtesy of Ryan McCormick.
Why go 3G?
Because your factory alternator is barely adequate for your truck, stock.
Added off-road lights or a big stereo?
You need a bigger alternator!
Need me to show you?
And that's alternator RPM, not engine rpm. The alt spins much faster than the engine.
Alt RPM = Engine RPM x Crank Pulley Diameter ÷ Alt Pulley Diameter.
87-92 is the blue line.
93-96 is the green line.
78-86 is less than the blue line.
There are 3 different mounting styles for the 3G alternator that can be used as an upgrade on other vehicles:
If you have a 66-86, anything with v-belts, or a 87-98 300 (4.9L) or 460 (7.5L): you'll need a Pivot Mount w/ 8.25” ear spacing alternator. Some 90, any 91-92, and some 93-99 non DOHC Ford Taurus will be able to donate it's alternator to your truck. On your v-belt truck, you may also be able to use one that fits the 87-92 serpentine setup (Pivot Mount w/ 7.00” ear spacing) but some may have fitment issues with smog pump location. The Pivot Mount w/ 8.25” ear spacing can be swapped into:
1966-1986 V-belt Mustangs
1966-1987 V-Belt Broncos/E-Series/F-series
1992-1997 4.9L & 7.5L Bronco/F-Series/E-Series
Other V-belt vehicles that can adjust to an 8.25” wide Pivot mount alternator
A wide-eared Taurus alt will ONLY fit a 302 or 351W if it is a V-belt setup since it's wider than a serpentine one.
If you have an 87-92 302 (5.0L) or 351W (5.8L): you have a 2G alternator. This is an early serpentine style. This can only be replaced with a Pivot Mount w/ 7.00” ear spacing alternator. Minor bracket clearancing may be required. This can be found in the following cars:
93-99 narrow-eared non-DOHC Taurus
94-95 V8 Mustang
94-00 V6 Mustang
94-97 V6 T-Bird/Cougar
95-98 Windstar
91-94 V6 Lincoln Continental.
The early serpentine car and truck alts on Ryan's site are interchangable but the plug and charge stud are clocked differently to fit the wiring to the bracket better. The Pivot Mount w/ 7.00” ear spacing can be swapped into:
1987-1992 Broncos/E-Series/F-series
1966-1995 Mustangs
Other vehicles that use a 7.00” wide Pivot mount alternator
If you have a 93-96 302 (5.0L) or 351W (5.8L): you have a Side Mount 3G already but a 95 amp one. You DO NOT need to get a wiring harness, as since you already have a 3G, it's plug and play!!! I strongly urge you to get a larger charge cable and megafuse though.
For a 130 amp, you can get that for a:
93-96 V8 Econoline with Air Conditioning or the High Output Alternator options
97-03 V6 Econoline E-Series or F-150
95-01 4.0 V6 Explorer or Ranger
at your local parts house for less than eBay.]
You'll need the one for late serp. vehicles.
The Side Mount can be swapped into:
1993-1997 5.0L, 5.8L & 7.3L Bronco/F-Series/E-Series
Other vehicles that use a Side Mount alternator
Or you could try to find one like that at a junkyard but good luck.
Plug Clocking: Each style may have the rear plugs clocked 3 different ways to fit their various vehicles better. They will still fit no matter the clocking but you can remove the case bolts, and reclock the rear to get your optimum position.
Charge Cables: When you swap from a 1G or a low output 3G to a 130 or more amp 3G, although you do not NEED a larger charge cable such as a 2 Gauge, it is a great idea. Smaller wires/cables cannot always handle such a load and they tend to heat up, some to the point of melting the wire and could start a fire. ALWAYS make sure you use a megafuse rated at least 15-25 amps above your alternator amperage.
Pulleys: For pulleys, you can either re-use your old one, which sometimes you may need a very small washer to use as a spacer if it rubs in the 3G case at all, or you can get a different sized one. It all depends on your needs. A smaller pulley will spin the alternator faster at idle to create maximum output. A larger pulley will allow the engine to rev higher without driving the alternator to fast. Large 3G alternators are safe to ~15,000RPM max. Again, Alt RPM = Engine RPM x Crank Pulley Diameter ÷ Alt Pulley Diameter.
Factory Carb Users:
If you have a Factory Ford carburetor (Holley model 4180) with a wire that connects directly to your 1G alt to your electric choke, get a 12 volt electric choke for a Holley 4160, P/N 45-223, and swap it out. Then wire the new choke to 12 volts.
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pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Cross posting is in violation of IB's user agreement, but im not the mod so I don't care.
Let it be clear though that the 7" mounting comes from 3.0l V6 donors and the 8.25" comes from the 3.8. 1992 is a safe year for Taurii and Sables.
The larger 148mm body of the 130A alternator will not fit in all places that the smaller 135mm 95A 3G will, and this is why the 8.25" is a safer bet for a 7.5l application, even though '93 on 7.5's come with a 7" 95A 3G
8.25" is required, to fit the 4.9l bracket
Windsor's take the 7" pivot mount (up to '92) and from there on would use the side mount llike Texanammo linked.
Let it be clear though that the 7" mounting comes from 3.0l V6 donors and the 8.25" comes from the 3.8. 1992 is a safe year for Taurii and Sables.
The larger 148mm body of the 130A alternator will not fit in all places that the smaller 135mm 95A 3G will, and this is why the 8.25" is a safer bet for a 7.5l application, even though '93 on 7.5's come with a 7" 95A 3G
8.25" is required, to fit the 4.9l bracket
Windsor's take the 7" pivot mount (up to '92) and from there on would use the side mount llike Texanammo linked.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,674
Likes: 16
From: Ideeho
So......I gotta ask......what applications did they use the 130A small case???? That's what I need for my 4BT conversion in my '78 and haven't really found an answer. I can come up with 130A "pad mount" all day long, but haven't been able to nail down a 130A small frame "ear mount" TIA
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
The 7" c-c ear mount 130A is found in 3.0l V6 Taurus/Sable.
You need to get your terminology right.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 4
From: Washington
The link i posted is for 7" bolt centers.
I don't know where you guys keep getting 8.25" bolt centers for a 460. Is it a 2g thing? Because these trucks come with the 95 amp 3g stock, and that is 7". As far as I know only the ambulance package came with a 130 amp alternator, which I believe was 8.25".
I don't know where you guys keep getting 8.25" bolt centers for a 460. Is it a 2g thing? Because these trucks come with the 95 amp 3g stock, and that is 7". As far as I know only the ambulance package came with a 130 amp alternator, which I believe was 8.25".
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
The link i posted is for 7" bolt centers.
I don't know where you guys keep getting 8.25" bolt centers for a 460. Is it a 2g thing? Because these trucks come with the 95 amp 3g stock, and that is 7". As far as I know only the ambulance package came with a 130 amp alternator, which I believe was 8.25".
I don't know where you guys keep getting 8.25" bolt centers for a 460. Is it a 2g thing? Because these trucks come with the 95 amp 3g stock, and that is 7". As far as I know only the ambulance package came with a 130 amp alternator, which I believe was 8.25".
The larger 148mm body of a 130A alternator requires clearancing (or just get the wider spread 8.25" mounting)
Earlier 3G's had an 8mm hole that can be tapped to 3/8-16 for the tension bolt. Later ones with the 10mm hole need to be helicoiled, or use a bolt & nut (but I don't have three hands to hold the pry bar and both wrenches)