dual alternators

[Will]

Do NOT get a single wire alternator. Those are not meant for a complicated vehicle with an extensive electrical system. They are suitable for a tractor or carbureted engine in a car with a simple electrical system. They do not adjust to the electrical load so you may have your computer running a couple of volts low. It could even harm your sound equipment for all I know.

 

[Defective]

If this was me and I was still into stereos such as THIS (6000 watts?), I'd definitely go the seperate electrical systems route and isolate my stereo system from the rest of the car. In order to to this, you have to somehow mount that second alternator so it's not grounding to the chassis though.

A little tip, those caps are probably more of a strain than any help. I know they were real popular when they first came out and everything, but they don't do shit to a properly wired system. They are only a bandaid for systems that pull more power than the wire they were installed with can handle, and then they still typically don't do what they're said to do.

What amplifiers are you using?

What gauge power wire are you running?

Remember to upgrade the big three if you stick with the single system:

1) Battery negative to chassis
2) Alternator to battery positive
3) Chassis to engine

Stock is typically 8 guage and not big enough for 6kw.

 

[krugford]

As a temporary fix, were could i go and get a floating pulley to fill the ac gap?

Unless the compressor itself is actually seized, you should be able to replace the pully/hub/clutch. When the AC is not being used, the pully is just idling. You shouldn't need a whole new compressor.

As for the brackets, they shouldn't be too hard to make. Just look at what's holding the stock alternator on, not much. A machine shop might get expensive for just a couple of brackets, though.

 

[tinytruck]

pheeew

ok will, i have a ford explorer 130 amp alternator, and the 95 amp alternator that came stock on my ranger. both are three wire plugs, i believe. Strong possibility it will work i think! I'm using one hifonics amp to run (2)15 inch kicker l5's and another amplifier to run 4 JL components....pretty sure that requires more than just a single alternator that only pushes 130 amps and i dont have the money for an expensive set-up!

 

[Will]

You don't have to have the grounds isolated. They won't see each other. You can have several different voltages all using a common ground.

 

[tinytruck]

pheeew

ive got a hifonics BXI2000d and a hifonics 4 channel that i forget the model number for? i am running 2"ot" wire from the battery through the firewall, down the drivers side floorboard, up the sub box, into and through the 4 fosgate caps, down into a distribution box and from there i change to 2 awg wire and go seperately into each amplifier. Forgot to mention that it is real copper wire not aluminum clad...here are a couple of pics for you guys!

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

if you dont want your a/c than remove the compressor and buy a belt for a non-a/c truck.

wether you decide to run dual alternators or a single large alternator, you dont need to buy a new compressor just to act as an idler.

 

[87Ranger4me]

When I was running lots of high output Ham equipment in my truck, I had the alternator rebuilt by a motor shop. The guy asked me if I wanted all the heavy duty stuff put in it to make it a 130 amp instead of a 95 amp, so I chose the 130 amp option. So you don't need to buy a different one just have yours rebuilt with the heavy duty diode packs.

 

[koda6966]

You are aware that there is a 130Amp alernator that is a bolt-on to any enine that uses a 3-bolt mount alternator, right?
So the '91-up 2.3's, 3.0 and 4.0 engines can have a 130amp alternator...
I just found an econoline with a 7.3powerstroke in it.
I didn't have the right tools to get it off but I'm going
back tomorrow.
I don't know if that will fit my 4.0, but I'm for damned sure gonna try.
It's a 200-something amp alternator.
AD

Let me know if it worked!

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

thats an epic enough thread revival that i had to come back from the dead to tip my hat to you sir!

 

[koda6966]

I've done better.

lmao.

Honestly I searched on the alternator and very few threads popped up so I said what the heck and posted.

 

[dangerranger83]

I made a thread about this and Im still figuring out how Im going to mount 2 of them on to my 2.8, but may hold out for now if I do go and put a 5.0 under the hood of my truck and just hook up the 61 amp one that I have to replace my 40 amp one that has an unknown history and age to it.

 

[koda6966]

I made a thread about this and Im still figuring out how Im going to mount 2 of them on to my 2.8, but may hold out for now if I do go and put a 5.0 under the hood of my truck and just hook up the 61 amp one that I have to replace my 40 amp one that has an unknown history and age to it.

40 amp? You should have a 90 under there..

 

[dangerranger83]

I was told that my 40 can handle what Im doing to her. My plans are to do this as cheap as possible but if one alternator goes out, I still have a backup on to get me home. Sure you can buy a lager output one but its only a bad day away from going out. My cousin put a new one on his blazer then drove a 6 hour trip and it had went out on him.

 

[koda6966]

Wait, so your 2nd alt is the 40 amp?

I'm confused if you can't tell. I thought you were saying your main alternator in your truck is a 40.