Anyone have a high output alternator for their ranger?

I was thinking of upgrading mine, as well as doing a new battery.

My truck uses much more power than it did when stock, as I have a number of audio and lighting add-ons that gobble up more juice.

 

I've done the research and know people with rangers who compete as well (stereo). Mean Green is probably the best way to go for our trucks (3.0). My funds fell short right when I was going to get one so I said I'd replace it when my alt goes out then my alt went out right after $225 in court fees and a speeding ticket. Go me. lol

The cheaper way is to get your stocker rewound or build a bracket to mount a 5.0 HO alt (cheaper and more widely available). A rewind wont give improvements at idle.

I'm assuming you've already done a Big 3. If not, grab 10' or so of 1/0 and a 250a inline fuse.

 

Chris, what would give a better jolt in idle? I've been considering a stock OEM Explorer 130a alt, but want to get a better idea of what improvements I'll be getting. My stocker is a 95 or 100a. I'm wanting better juice in idle to power the lamps and stereo better. *Keep in mind, my stereo is nothing special(400w amp and a CVR12).

 

Me too....

 

An aftermarket like a mean green will give more juice at idle. Some companies, like HO alt and Ohio Generators (IIRC) can build application specific alts as well. However, to power a 400w amp (pulling less than a continuous 60a max) and the fact that you've swapped over to HID's means that you probably dont need an application built HO alt (or an aftermarket HO alt at all). For your application, whatever is cheaper or easier. An explorer alt would need some bracket fabrication, but if you're handy with that sort of stuff then it's no big deal. An aftermarket alt would bolt right up but likely cost hundreds more.

:)

My good ole' 95a + Yellow Top + Big 3 drops to 12.5v at idle and 13v at cruising speed when I am pushing the system hard (probably 3-4 times more current than your system). When driving down the highway the dimming is noticeable but I try not to damage my hearing too often so it doesn't bother me too much. haha Of course, the more you max your alternator out the quicker it will go out. I remedied the possibility of this problem happening again by getting a life time warranty on mine for an extra $20 at Advance. Keeping a steady voltage will also help with the longevity of the electronics in your truck. I dont know whether or not this is something you really need to worry about.

Now if you're wanting to run a winch, stereo, and off road lights all at the same time I'd highly recommend getting an HO alt built for making power at idle.

 

An overdrive pulley for the alternator would probably help at idle too.

 

Werd, good suggestion.

You just have to be careful that you dont spin it too fast and start blowing stuff up. lol

 

I just about pulled a Explorer 4.0L SOHC 130a alt yesterday for my SOHC 4.0....mounting locations were the exact same as the Ranger. My stocker is a whopping 90a.

Wouldn't an OVERDRIVE alt pulley spin it faster at idle?

My plan is to run an Explorer(on the cheap!) 130a and the Underdrive Pulley with the matching overdrive alt pulley to put it back at stock speed. I figure it'd help out in the end with the stereo and 4 lights up front while wheeling.

 

What year Explorers came with the 130A Alts?

 

I'm n the process of upgrading my stereo. Someone at 1 point had one in it because there's RCA patch cords under the carpet. I'm going to be running 2 amps. 1 500 watt for four door panel factory location speakers. And a second for my subs. Not sure yet what size for them. Probably a 1500 watt. I know about the big 3 upgrade and will be doing it. I'm not one that likes to hear every body panel vibrate. More along the lines of a home stereo where you can hear everything at a decent level. Should I upgrade my alternator from the stock 95 amp to around 130-250 amps(because they aren't cheap) ?? This and Happy New Year to everyone!!!!