Cheapest alternator?

[AllBlackBimmer]

I am trading my truck in, but before I do, I need to replace my alternator, since mine was smoking the other day after driving.

I want the cheapest working alternator just to work, don't dare about longevity obviously.

Needs to work with a 2004 4.0 engine... What are my options? I think I can use different ones with different amps?

I just need it do my battery light doesn't come on, and I can drive it to a few dealerships to get the best trade in price for my truck.

I briefly looked on eBay, but not sure what amps I can get away with?

I am going to diy this, so I want a direct swap...

Also if anyone has a good diy guide, please ost links or videos!

 

[adsm08]

Any cheapo parts store reman should work. You really don't need instructions for taking it off. If somehow you do need instructions for removing the alternator from a 4.0 SOHC you don't need to own a wrench. It's that simple to do. It's right on top, nothing is hidden, its all out in the open, often the hardest part is getting the battery cable off the battery.

 

[AllBlackBimmer]

Any cheapo parts store reman should work. You really don't need instructions for taking it off. If somehow you do need instructions for removing the alternator from a 4.0 SOHC you don't need to own a wrench. It's that simple to do. It's right on top, nothing is hidden, its all out in the open, often the hardest part is getting the battery cable off the battery.

Assume will have to move the air intake out of the way too?
I'm being lazy, I just haven't looked yet haha.

I found a few on eBay that say they fit 04 4.0s but they may be different amps?
Are these somewhat interchangeable or do I need to go to like autozone to get one?...

Also, what other year Rangers would fit? I may try Craigslost or even a junkyard in they have the right downer truck... Just not sure what years would work? What about one from a 3.0 or does it have to be a 4.0? Not sure if they are different?

 

[adsm08]

Moving the intake tube does make it somewhat easier, but I imagine it can be done without moving that. I take it off.

The alternator must come from a 4.0 SOHC, but other than that any year or vehicle (so Explorers and Mustangs as well) and any amp rating should be fair game. The 3.0 is completely different. The 3.0 and 4.0 are nothing alike, not remotely related, and I really wish people would stop asking if any parts interchange because they don't. Not even the oil filter. And you can't use one from a 4.0 OHV either. That one is very different as well.

As for years, IIRC the 4.0 SOHC started in Explorers in 1998 and was available through 2011. In the Rangers 2001 to 2011, and in Mustangs 2004-2010.

 

[AllBlackBimmer]

So, something like these should work and be a direct swap...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/01-02-03-04...Ford|Model:Ranger&hash=item19f82f8820&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-RANGER...Ford|Model:Ranger&hash=item25942ffe4e&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-RANGER...Ford|Model:Ranger&hash=item234bcb724e&vxp=mtr

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

As for years, IIRC the 4.0 SOHC started in Explorers in 1998 and was available through 2011. In the Rangers 2001 to 2011, and in Mustangs 2004-2010.

2010MY for the Explorer, 2011 was the first MY for the FWD based ones that didn't have a 4.0.

 

[enjr44]

Isn't there some year where the SOHC 6 went from a alt with an internal regulator to one that the PCM regulated??

 

[AllBlackBimmer]

So I got the alternator off... and am picking up a new one today. (I did somehow manage to drop my adjustable wrench down into the radiator fan housing, DOH)

But,
I had a hell of a time trying to wrench the belt tensioner bolt while trying to remove the belt...

And I already know, when trying to put the belt back on, am going to have a hell of a time... Im actually not sure how to hold the tensioner AND slip the belt on at the same time...

Thoughts? I don't have any extra set of hands that could help, obviously that would make things easier, but will be going at this alone after work.

 

[black_demon69]

So I got the alternator off... and am picking up a new one today. (I did somehow manage to drop my adjustable wrench down into the radiator fan housing, DOH)

But,
I had a hell of a time trying to wrench the belt tensioner bolt while trying to remove the belt...

And I already know, when trying to put the belt back on, am going to have a hell of a time... Im actually not sure how to hold the tensioner AND slip the belt on at the same time...

Thoughts? I don't have any extra set of hands that could help, obviously that would make things easier, but will be going at this alone after work.

just string belt on all pullys except the idler and slide belt onto idler when holding tension

 

[AllBlackBimmer]

Got it all back together and working.

Ended up using a piece of pvc pipe on the end of the socket to leverage the tensioner.

I didn't torque the alt down.... Just made it very snug... Do I ned to actually torque it?
Got the belt back on and aligned, ran it around the block, so guess that means the belt is proper seated and lined up? Ha... It didn't pop off so I assume so.

I ended up backing out of trading my truck in (was going to get super crew f150 '05) so it looks like I'll be sticking around for awhile!

 

[adsm08]

I didn't torque the alt down.... Just made it very snug... Do I ned to actually torque it?

Eh, tight is tight, too tight's broke. The alternator isn't torque critical, which means the the only way to overdo it is to break a bolt or strip threads. You can leave it too loose though. If you just made them "very snug" I'd run it for a week and recheck them just to make sure they aren't backing out.

 

[Mark_88]

Those belt tension pulleys were probably the hardest part of figuring out on the 96 Ranger 2.3. I actually removed the bolt that holds the tension pulley on the motor the first time I looked at it...didn't see the square hole to insert the tool to move the tension pulley back enough to slip the belt off...

No wonder my learning experience took me so long...or, should say, is taking me so long...lol

Glad you got it done...I was going to replay when I first saw this but...not having any experience with the 4.0 and saying "it's easy" would have been a lie...

 

[killj0y]

Those belt tension pulleys were probably the hardest part of figuring out on the 96 Ranger 2.3. I actually removed the bolt that holds the tension pulley on the motor the first time I looked at it...didn't see the square hole to insert the tool to move the tension pulley back enough to slip the belt off...

No wonder my learning experience took me so long...or, should say, is taking me so long...lol

Glad you got it done...I was going to replay when I first saw this but...not having any experience with the 4.0 and saying "it's easy" would have been a lie...

Really? lol I saw that and loved it first time i had to do anything with the belt makes life easier Now on my wifes BMW it took a minute to find that hole...it sits under a dust cap so its not clearly visible like most things on that damn thing. Everything is buried under a plastic cover and

 

[Mark_88]

Really? lol I saw that and loved it first time i had to do anything with the belt makes life easier Now on my wifes BMW it took a minute to find that hole...it sits under a dust cap so its not clearly visible like most things on that damn thing. Everything is buried under a plastic cover and

haha...yes, working on strange (unfamiliar) vehicles is always an experience...a friend asked me to change the alternator on her 2003 Montana...I went to the junkyard and they wouldn't let me play with their toys so I couldn't figure out how to get it off...on those engines the alternator is sitting under the cowling near the back of the firewall...impossible for me to see what was holding it on...so I told her I would have to pass on helping...lol

It was two bolts holding it on that came out really easy...

 

[killj0y]

haha...yes, working on strange (unfamiliar) vehicles is always an experience...a friend asked me to change the alternator on her 2003 Montana...I went to the junkyard and they wouldn't let me play with their toys so I couldn't figure out how to get it off...on those engines the alternator is sitting under the cowling near the back of the firewall...impossible for me to see what was holding it on...so I told her I would have to pass on helping...lol

It was two bolts holding it on that came out really easy...

Oh and like everything on her vehicle it was a torx -_- a T-40 or something.