1986 Ranger alternator help

[Chappell]

I have a 1986 Ranger 2.9l 4wd. I am trying to find an alternator that fits these wires. Can someone please help me find one? Thanks!

 

[Jazzer]

I put this one on my ‘87 2.9. Only one I could find.

IMPORTANT: make sure the mounting ears are the same as yours.

Plug is identical but you will have to change over your pulley.

1988 FORD RANGER 2.9L 177cid V6 Alternator / Generator | Shop Now at RockAuto

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[Chappell]

Thanks! So it will need a new belt? Sorry I am just starting to learn how to do work on it.

 

[Jazzer]

Not if it’s in good shape, but your engine has vee shaped belt. That alternator comes with a ribbed serpentine pulley so you have to switch your old pulley onto the new alternator.

You’ll need a big hex wrench (take the alternator with you to the tool store if you don’t have one that fits.) It will go in the front of the alternator shaft to hold it while you loosen the pulley nut. The nut is tight so you may have to hammer the wrench sharply.

Write back if you have difficulty.

 

[Chappell]

Thanks again. Is there a specific alternator because when I click on the link it takes me to rockauto but it has about 15 different alternators listed.

 

[Jazzer]

Sorry, it’s the WAI Global brand.

Part #WAI 7744-2N

Once again, make sure your mounting points have the same position.

 

[Chappell]

So i got the alternator, installed it, but I have a leftover white wire from my truck and I dont know what to do with it. It is in my original picture up top. Any ideas?

 

[Jazzer]

Mine doesn’t have a white wire. Does the truck run and the alternator charge?

 

[Chappell]

No when I try and hook the battery up it starts sparking like crazy.

 

[Jazzer]

Assuming that you’re saying the battery terminals are sparking, remove the alternator wiring connector and make sure the white wire isn’t touching anything.

Try hooking up the battery again. If no sparking you may have gotten a bad alternator, parts are frequently bad right out of the box.

My first WAI alternator had a locked up rotor, I had to return it for a replacement.

 

[SenorNoob]

IDK if applies here or not, but when I swapped the Explorer 130amp alternator onto my truck, I had a single wire connector that didn't go anywhere anymore. 10 years and counting...

 

[Jazzer]

^I thought I remembered that from another previous thread. I was going to tell him to tape it off if everything else worked.