Charging system issues.

[travisgm]

I have just purchased a 96 Ranger with a 4.0L. It was sitting for 5 months and seems to run fine other then the alternator won't put out any voltage at any rpm.
There is 320,000km on it and it was the original alternator so I assumed that the brushes were hung up. I replaced it with a new (re-man) alternator and still have the same problem. The battery is fine, I get the same problem with different batteries.
When I put my meter on the battery while running I get 11.6V. This slowly goes down the longer it runs until it eventually dies (like on the way to work..)
I'm suspecting a fuse or fusable link, I just don't know where to find them.

I found the diagram on here that shows 2 links, I just don't know where to look for them. Also I'm assuming they blew for a reason, Is there anything I shouild look for before starting the truck up again?
The replacement alternator is a 90amp, i had a choice between that or 130amp. Which one is the one I want or need. I can still trade it in for the other.

 

[Roadkill]

There should also be a couple of small gauge wires going to the alternator. One of them actually triggers the (somehow, haven't really looked into it) alternator to generate various levels of power depending on load. If that wire is broken or damaged the alternator won't do anything.

I know from having a similar issue with my wife's Exploder.

 

[calypso93]

The alt on my 4L has two conectors, towards the rear, on top. Every now and then I have to take them off (not while running) and give them a shot of contact cleaner. Then they're good for 6 months to a year. Just get dirty fast, and dielectric grease didn't help either.