Alternators

[Ordak]

I have 96 2.3L ranger and i plan on running an amp and subwoofer off my stock alternator. I looked and i believe it is a 95 or 100 amp alternator. Do they make any alternators that produce more amps so my gauge will not be dancing to the beat of the stereo? I am getting a 400 watt amp and a 4-ohm subwoofer. I don't want anything to big or powerful in my truck besides me . Is there any models such as a corwn vic or taurus that will bolt up to my existing mounting points?

 

[Ordak]

Also i do not have an A/C condenser so could i mount one there? I would need to get a new serpentine belt but would it mount up correctly? Would it be a pain in the ass to wire up or not?

 

[wrecking-crew]

If you get a capacitor, you shouldn't need to upgrade the alt. You always could get a HO alternator from a store.

 

[Ordak]

If you get a capacitor, you shouldn't need to upgrade the alt. You always could get a HO alternator from a store.

I looked all over and could not find an HO alternator that is why i am posting this thread.

 

[kunar]

you dont need one for that small of a system. thats roughly 30 amps draw, and thats probably a peak number.

 

[Ordak]

when my brother had his in with a similar setup his guage bounced all over. It is ok for it to bounce some, like will it cause damage down the line to the battery or alternator?

 

[kunar]

ive been running a 500w and 600w in my escort for several years without an issue. stock alternator is 65 amps. even recently when i added another 500w amp, the wost i have seen is the headlights dimming some at idle. i wouldnt suspect you would have any issues at all with that setup, though i cant say for sure. i would put it in and see what happens before you go spending more money.

 

[Frank The Tank]

A moped could push a 400 watt amp. Just saying. It shouldn't be needed to upgrade.

One of the diesel F250 years had a 140 alternator if I'm not mistaken that is a direct fit. Should be in tech searches on here. I was thinking it was 04 or 06.

I like one wire alternators myself....

BTW. I ran a 300 watt and two 10s in an 88 ranger 2.9 liter and under full load it made no difference to lights or anything... My brother had a system in a 70s truck with a 65 amp altenator. He never mentioned any issues. A good functioning alternator and a decent battery is sufficient until you are really pulling the power.

 

[kunar]

the more i think about it, im pretty sure one of the ford 3G alternators would fit, you can buy them in a 130amp flavor from most parts stores and can get them 200+ amp from specialty stores. in fact a little searching here on TRS found me this page...

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/alternator.htm

 

[Ordak]

thanks kunar, i did search but i did not find that page. I think i might go to the salvage yard and see if i can find one out of a 96-98 4.0 explorer

 

[4x4junkie]

'96 should already have a 3G alternator.

I agree with wrecking-crew, throw a farad capacitor or 2 on your amp. That'll filter out the current pulsations of the amp and stop your voltage fluctuating so much.

 

[Thed]

You'll be fine... I've been pushing that amount of power for years now. Didn't buy a capacitor because I see those as a waste if money.

 

[Ordak]

You'll be fine... I've been pushing that amount of power for years now. Didn't buy a capacitor because I see those as a waste if money.

Does your "gauge" dance at all?

 

[Thed]

Only with my headlights on,aftermarket fog lights on, e-fan on, and interior fan at full blast while at idle with the subs all the way up.

Even then, it's only a slight movement.

 

[Ordak]

Alright thanks a lot man