more acc. = bigger alternator?

[THEWOODY]

In the near future(the next month or two) I'm going to be adding a few more accesories to the jeep. 4 KC lites, and an electric fan. I have the 85 amp alternator on it now, will I need to go any higher?, if so, who makes the best alternator out there?

[Peter Matusov]

I found a 105A Delco alternator at a pick-n-pull, already pulled and laying in the pile of junk, and got it for $35 (with a warranty for the kicks). The rebuild kit cost $14 more, and it included new bearings, brushes, and voltage regulator (no diodes 'far as I recall). So, for $50 or so, you can have a kick-*** alternator that may only need a little fiddling with washers and spacers to line up the pulley.

now I have to worry about the ammeter pegged past 60A right after the start-up...

peter

[Gwamp]

JC Whitney sells a kit that will upgrade it from 63 to 105 amps. It was easy to install and I have had no problem powering the big lights on mine. Here is a write up on how it went if you are interested.

write up (http://www.bluerhino.ws/page121.html)

[Peter Matusov]

you should see the 105A Delco unit, side by side with a stock 63A Delco from the jeep.
The size difference is substantial; while you can get the same amperage from the smaller one, its lifetime may be quite a bit less. Besides, it will only be cranking out more amps at higher engine rpm, and likely less at idle.

peter

[Rande]

Ya great! Just remember, you have seriously upgraded the power output of the alternator and you are forcing it through wiring that was inadequate for the original 60 amp alternator.
When you upgrade one, you need to upgrade the other or just when you need it, that 105amps will fry your wiring and burn your truck to the ground.
I would have to check but I beleive our trucks use 10 gauge stranded wire for the alternator wiring. Today's modern 10 gauge, stranded wire with THHN insulation is rated for 40 amps. I would have to see what sort of insulation the wiring in our trucks has but no way can I believe its better than what comes on THHN wire.
Get that? 40 amps.
You want to safely pass 105amps? Try #3 gauge wire. You could probably get away with #4, because its not likely you will use the full 105amp output.
Be careful when you decide to significantly alter the power use in your truck. The original wiring was really not up to what it was supposed to handle. It is just BARELY adequate for most things and NOT adequate for others.

[Bob Barry]

Hey, is it time for our monthly "Burning up the Ammeter" discussion already???

:D :D :D

[bvibert]

Originally posted by Bob Barry:
Hey, is it time for our monthly "Burning up the Ammeter" discussion already???

:D :D :D Has it been a month already?? Time flys... tongue.gif :D

I was gonna add my 2 cents on the subject... but I think I'll leave it alone... :D