light seem dim

[badmts]

if I get an alternator with higher output than OE will my lights (inside and out) get any brighter? I have put in new bulbs (even used those Silverlite in front) but all the lights seem dim -a little background- the battery is not stock and a little on the small size (side post) and the ampmeter on dash appears to favor the discharge side but it has never had a starting issue just dim tail lights and interior lights and the silverwhatever were a big dissapointment too! we will be putting on my super cool(FREE) bumper this week so aux lighting is a must -so is there a cop car or camper alt. that might work ?

 

[ForOffRoadDriving]

i would start with replacing your ground cable/s if they are still original. any resistance to ground can cause all of your electrical components to suffer. you say you have a side post battery so are you using side post cables or side-to-top post adapters? in my experience the GM side post batteries are one of the worst designs and should be used only as a last resort because of the way they make their connections. the lead ring on the battery is the only place that you can pick up substantial power from, and if you look at any side post cable it has 4 raised spots on it that make contact, thats it. your original top post battery makes contact 360* around the terminal, making for a much better and reliable connection. now your truck originally had a 40amp alternator, but they do list an optional 65amp alt. i use the website www.genco1.com to check alternator specs as they break them down into vehicle applications as well as case sizings and amp out put. 40amp should power all of your original accessories, but the 65amp would be a good upgrade as well as putting the correct 65-series battery back in the truck.