Alternator swap?

[scoob8000]

I've done some reading on this topic, but can't find anything definitive.

I was about to upgrade some of the wiring in my charging circuit when I learned the alternator in my 88' doesn't have a lug on the back for the battery connection but a quick connector.

Is there another unit that is a direct bolt in replacement? Advance has about 10-12 on their website.. Or even from a boneyard if I know what I'm looking for.

 

[fordktpjoe]

I've done some reading on this topic, but can't find anything definitive.

I was about to upgrade some of the wiring in my charging circuit when I learned the alternator in my 88' doesn't have a lug on the back for the battery connection but a quick connector.

Is there another unit that is a direct bolt in replacement? Advance has about 10-12 on their website.. Or even from a boneyard if I know what I'm looking for.

search for "3G upgrade" these newer alternators (130 amp with the lug) can be had off of mid 90's Mustangs and 3.0 Taurus' there's a special "conversion wiring harness you'll need. You can do it without this harness, but it makes it easier.

This link has some info.

http://www.grandmarq.net/85crownLX/pages/3G_alternator.html

It's for a Crown Vic/Grand Marquis, but might be of use on a Ranger.

It also has some more links in it to other sites with more in depth info.

 

[scoob8000]

Ahh, that's a good one. I tried the forum for 2g / 3g but it's too short of a search term. :/

 

[fordktpjoe]

Ahh, that's a good one. I tried the forum for 2g / 3g but it's too short of a search term. :/

Yeah, ya gotta put in "3G upgrade"

 

[Psychopete]

Ahh, that's a good one. I tried the forum for 2g / 3g but it's too short of a search term. :/

Use the google search box at the very top right. It works a lot better. I am guessing this is using an indexed search, which 2 character length terms would bloat the index file pretty bad.

Pete

 

[holyford86]

its not that hard to do but it does take some custom fab to make it work on a 2.9. The 3g off of a 93-97 taurus is the one you want, it's the large case 130 amp version. it is the "straight" ear version so you would need to make a conversion bracket to work with the 2.9 "offset ear" bracket. The conversion bracket isn't all that hard to make, it can be done with a hacksaw and a drill. You will need a 2.9 alternator to cannabalize for the pulley and the little spacer behind it. You will also need to turn down the nut from the taurus alternator and take some material off of the center of the 2.9 pulley to make it fit on the shorter shaft. you will also need the plug from the taurus alt, I don't remember offhand what color wire goes to which color wire at the regulator connector but the bigger wire goes to the bigger wire and the smaller ones go together, I believe that the smaller wire is the same color on both applications. as for the bigger wires that carry the current, you can twist them together and use one lug for both, I would recommend that you run another wire directly form your alternator to your battery when you upgrade as the stock wiring wasn't meant to handle 130 amps.