Hey guys,

I am beginning to believe that my stock alternator (70 amp I think) is being overloaded by all of the electrics I have. I know there are others on this board who have more, but I just thought I would start exploring the option of adding a new one.

I know I have read about a couple direct replacements - one from an MR2 and I also think a couple from GM. Does anyone have any insight they can give me into this little project? How hard is the swap for a new alternator?

Just to make sure I am on the right track, let me describe the situation that made me think this was my alternator being overloaded. For example, when I am sitting at night with my headlights on and my radio playing (I have 2 external amps), if I pull the switch to roll my window up, all of my dash lights and my headlights dim until I let go of the switch. Anyway, I'm not too smart with this electrical stuff so that is why I posted.

Thanks for any help guys-

CTB

 

You may be overloaded. However, my lighst dim a little when I roll up the window with a stock setup!

If you're not electrically inclined (like myself), you may want to take it to a couple of shops and see what they recommend. Getting more than one opinion is always a good thing, and if you can go to someone you trust, then even better.

 

Thanks for the reply. This is what I have done so far:

-emailed Alterstart to see if they have a direct bolt-up application

-emailed Mean Green to see if they have a direct bolt-up application

I will also call around to some local automotive electrical shops tomorrow to check and see on prices of having my stock alternator rewound...any recommendations against this?

 

How old is your existing alternator? If it's more than 5 or 6 years, I'd go ahead and get a new one.

 

It is the stock alternator that came on the truck

 

So it's 7 years old correct? I can't remember when I had to have mine replaced, but I think it was 3 or 4 years ago (which would mean it was about 7 or 8 years old)--I'll check my records when I get home to see when it was.

 

Well I called a couple of automotive electrical shops today, and the most helpful one told me that there wasn't much they could do for my unit. They said the only way they could beef it up would be to replace the "stator" and "distributor" (if I remember correctly). So, what do you guys think?

By the way, they said this was a 60 amp Nippon Denso unit.

Also, just for my information, what exactly does "rewinding" an alternator entail?

Thanks everyone-

 

Hey, i was thinking about upgrading my alternator as well. I have to external amps that really seem to draw a lot of power. I have a voltage meter in my radar detector and it never really goes below about 12.5 while the engine is running. Do you guys think this is good enough. I also have a capacitor, but my lights still dim a little.

 

Check out:

http://www.northwestoffroad.com/parts/alternators.html

The 150 ampere model goes for the low price of $429.95!

 

Ya, just what I was looking for, a $430 alternator!

That is almost an entire ARB for me! I think I can live with my current setup for that much money!

 

I'm just looking over you guys collective shoulders for the info when mine eventually goes, THEN would go ahead and get an upgrade. But no way I'm paying $450 for a little extra juice. Also, I would prefer to go no mod- straight bolt on. What's the info on the MR2 swap?

Just hate making permanent :eek: changes to vehicles... My 2cents!

 

If I remember correctly, the MR2 alternator swap also needs a little modification as well. I think you need to fab up a couple of mounting brackets, and maybe a couple other little things as well. The write-up for the swap is over at Outdoorwire I believe.

 

I contacted mechman@mechman.com and they gave me thje following options for my 2002 4Runner- email them and see what they have for you:

We have three outputs that will fit your vehicle:

20-250-43G-1G ($392.00) rated @ 150Amps Hot (185 Amps Cold)

20-275-43G-1G ($454.00) rated @ 175Amps Hot (210 Amps Cold)

20-300-43G-1G ($534.00) rated @ 200Amps Hot (240 Amps Cold)

All three require an adapter bracket ($49.95) and an adapter plug ($35.00) for the install. Shipping costs will be about $28.00 for USA ground. If you have more questions just call our tech support @(760) 956-7596 or email us. If you want to place an order, call 888MECHMAN (632-4626) or email us.

Regards

Dennis Moore
Mechman

 

Ya, I got the same info back from him too. Still too much $$$ for me...broke college student (the girlfriend doesn't help either!).