Replacement alternator amperages

[Troy H]

Hi all,

I'm suspecting that my 130 amp alternator is failing - voltage meter drops to about 1/3 for long periods of time, occasionally bumps up, and my battery light comes on (my battery is less than 6 mos old).

I saw a page at The Ranger Station that says:
"1992-2005 Ford Ranger owners now have the option of a 130, 170, 200 and 250 amp alternator from Motor City Reman. Click HERE for more."

Ultimately I plan to add a second accessory battery to my system that might make having a larger alternator nice, but that may be six months or more out. In the meantime, without that extra load... well.. is there such thing as having TOO MUCH alternator? Can a 200 amp alternator cause problems in a mostly stock vehicle?

Thanks

 

[Troy H]

So, from more reading, the higher amp alternators only state the max capability of the alternator, so a bigger alternator would only be an advantage when drawing higher current loads and would never be a disadvantage under normal use.

Thinking maybe the 170 would be fine, even with the addition of a second battery.

Is this alternator a good choice? Anyone have experience with this brand?



Then again.... Just found this:
"Optima /AMG batteries will toast your HIGH AMP alternator in short order. The glass mat type batteries will not accept amps at a high rate, and if your running a 130+ amp alternator,,, it internally shorts with no where for the amperage to go."

 

[Troy H]

Ultimately, it turned out that the alternator wasn't going to wait for me to mail order one. Pulled into a parts store and dropped in a straight replacement. Oh well. When I get the second battery wired, I'll reconsider alternators then.