Rebuilt Alternator Upgrade?

[CHRISTOFFS]

I have 96 XPL 4.0 that needs a new alternator. I'm not sure what generation model my existing OEM unit is. Can an alternator shop rebuild the existing OEM unit to the standards of the newer generation of alternators? Can the existing OEM unit be rebuild to a higher amp alternator? I'm not running any extra electrical components on the vehicle except for a plug in Sirius radio.

 

[marragtop]

I think the Explorers have 2 options of alternators. A 95 amp and a 130 amp. Make sure you don't undersize it. I suspect an alternator shop will rebuild it to it's current spec. It may be something simple like the brushes or the regulator. Most people just put a rebuilt one on from an auto store rather than dealing with rebuilding their own.

 

[Cobraguy]

You know, I remember when replacing an alternator with one from a store was a last resort. We rebuilt all of them! I still have a cabinet full of alternator parts.

Anyway, I digress. To upgrade output of the alternator, it requires some expensive parts...and the case has to be the size and design to hold those parts. So in this case, you may want to price them both ways and see what is best for you. Keep in mind, you may be able to get better quality parts from a rebuilder than some of these cheapo units from Autozone and the like. Some of their stuff is scary bad. If you look at some of the high quality aftermarket alternators out there, you will find they are much more expensive than the discount stores. It's usually because of the care and quality of the rebuild and parts.

 

[CHRISTOFFS]

My current OEM alternator is 130 amps. I think I rather rebuild my OEM alternator with some high quality parts rather then get some cheapo aftermarket unit. I'm not sure exactly what parts I need and/or where to get them? Is there some sort of kit that includes everything? I think I'm going to buy all the necessary parts and then take everything to an alternator shop and have them do the labor. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[marragtop]

Some shops don't like installing customer provided parts and will not give you any guarantee. I suggest checking with the shop first before buying any parts such as brushes, diodes, regulator, bearings, pulley ..etc to see what their pricing and policy is.

 

[CHRISTOFFS]

Some shops don't like installing customer provided parts and will not give you any guarantee. I suggest checking with the shop first before buying any parts such as brushes, diodes, regulator, bearings, pulley ..etc to see what their pricing and policy is.

If thats the case, is there anything that I should be on the lookout for, or made aware of when using a local alternator shop? Ultimately, what I'm looking for is to have my OEM unit rebuilt using quality parts. If needed, I don't mind having to ship the alternator to a shop in order to get that accomplished. I would greatly appreciate it if anyone has any suggestions/input/feedback or can steer me to a reliable place. Thanx! PS Im located in the LA/OC area if anyone knows a good local shop.

 

[Cobraguy]

Boy. You certainly should be able to find a place there! You can look in the yellow pages, google, or ask around. I would ask them what brand parts they use and their guarantee.

 

[96eb96]

If thats the case, is there anything that I should be on the lookout for, or made aware of when using a local alternator shop? Ultimately, what I'm looking for is to have my OEM unit rebuilt using quality parts. If needed, I don't mind having to ship the alternator to a shop in order to get that accomplished. I would greatly appreciate it if anyone has any suggestions/input/feedback or can steer me to a reliable place. Thanx! PS Im located in the LA/OC area if anyone knows a good local shop.

Are you near a NAPA? Just get a NAPA brand new alternator. They are around $150, and have a lifetime nationwide warranty! I have them in a few vehicles and they are great. Just put the receipt with your registration papers (important documents) and if it ever dies (very unlikely) they give you another new one for life! 7% off for AAA members too, the one for my 96 with the discount was less than some reman ones.

 

[Tbars4]

....I know of a couple shops by me...Your best bet would be to do a yellow pages search for "Alternator" in your area...There are shops that do nothing but Rebuild Alternators in your area...I do know that rebuilding an existing 160 amp alternator cost between $120-$170 in my area and the guarantee is one year...

...You could do a search on here for "Alternator", and you will find a write up by Rick on "How to rebuild" and another thread by BrooklynBay with links to online parts for rebuilding your Alternator...

 

[alohamonte]

The cheapest alternative short of doing the install yourself is to buy the part yourself and find a mechanic to do the work directly for cash, usually at their house/shop with their tools.

Post an free ad for mechanic services on any job board (like craigslist). A lot of mechanics are looking for earn some side cash right now.

I paid $179 for a front end rebuild kit and $200 for a mechanic to do the install at his house. That's probably a grand cheaper than having a shop do it.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Here's my thread on rebuilding your own alternator: http://explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=193296