Alternator Questions \ Recommendations

[pikapp691]

It looks as if I will need to be replacing my alternator soon. What do you guys recommend? Should I order from one of the bronco shops, or napa, autozone, advance any good way to go?

I have a for the most part stock 77 302 auto etc. I plan on using the Eb as a second truck\trail truck. I am just getting started with it but plans are for adding a lift, tires etc.

Right now besides stck electrical, I have a radio and CB.

I have modest mechanical experience, is replacing an alternator something an amateur can do? I am learning on the fly with my EB.

Thanks

 

[Mark]

I upgraded my stock 60 amp slug to a 100 amp bolt in replacement for less than $100.
It was easy and WELL worth it.
http://www.classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40332

 

[Duke Nukem]

I upgraded to a 130 amp 3G alternator. They are plentiful at junkyards but can also be purchased at any autoparts store. Very simple upgrade that even an electrical novice can do. There are a few good writeups and threads on this site that will give you all the info you're looking for. Do a search under 3G and you'll find lots of threads on the subject.

 

[silverbullet]

I did the 3G upgrade as well. One caution if you dont have a serp setup. I cant find the sweet spot to keep it from squeeling when the system need charging. Dont have a winch yet but will be getting the serp before I do. Just my $.02

Dave

 

[72Sport]

I did the 3G upgrade as well. One caution if you dont have a serp setup. I cant find the sweet spot to keep it from squeeling when the system need charging. Dont have a winch yet but will be getting the serp before I do. Just my $.02

Dave

The 3g has a lot of output at idle. Try a larger pulley. That will give you more belt contact and slow the alternator down a little. Get a longer drive belt that will move the alternator farther away from the engine. That will give you more belt contact. If you can figure out a way to drive it you might be able to use a double groove pulley.


I have serpentine and it has its limitations also. The serpentine belt tension depends on the spring force in the tensioner. Maybe someone makes a tensioner with more spring force. I went up with a larger pulley diameter on the serpentine system to keep it from squealing. Just my $.02

 

[BwoncoHowie]

http://classicbroncos.com/alternatormount.shtml This is what I did when my alt gave up, had to buy 1 item and wire it into the the alternator harness. In the picture are 2 views of the same plug.

There are alternator shops that can rebuild yours with all the tough internals and increase the output at the same time. That could also be a way to go if you want to keep it stock. Whatever you do, disconnect the ground cable on your battery first before you begin disconnecting wires.