Which Alternator??

[Cobraguy]

On a fully loaded 1999 Eddie Bauer...

Which output alternator would you say came with the vehicle from the factory? I went to the factory Specification Book and it shows three different alternators were available for the Explorer/Mountaineer in 1999. Here is exactly how they list them:

35/90 Generator 45/amp
45/110 Generator 60/amp
58/120 Generator 65/amp

No where in that list is a 95 amp...let alone 130. Now, the book doesn't say where the ratings were taken. Idle, partial load, etc. And what exactly does "45/110" mean anyway? Any ideas?

 

[2000LXS]

I think the 45 would be normal and 110 would be peak under full load like when you have a dead battery or sound system.

 

[CDW6212R]

You will have the big one in your Eddie Bauer model.

The alternators interchange for any of the 96-04 302/SOHC Explorers, always choose the highest rated one, which should be 130 amps. Ask for a Limited alternator, that always gets you the best one. I'd say the lower level will be around 95 amps maximum, those ratings should be at above 1000rpms. The idle power is less, only the aftermarket alternators mention those specs. I went with a 170 amp alternator for my 99 work truck, and a black version for my 98. The idle amperage should be about 95 for these aftermarket units.

 

[Cobraguy]

CDW...did you rewire for those big output alternators? Or did you retain the factory wiring? The one I have is pretty heavy...looks to be about 8 gauge or so. But 130...let alone 170 amps is a LOT of current to carry...

 

[CDW6212R]

My trucks have been the two Limited's(93/99), and the Mountaineer with all options. I haven't seen a lower gauge wire set on other trucks, they may all be the same.

I did add an 8 gauge wire to my 99 with the 170 alternator. I upgraded because my truck didn't come with an alternator, and I was planning a 30 amp air compressor, plus a few small circuits. I made that wire the same length as the stock wire, it goes to the power distribution box on the same terminal. I also upgraded ground wires because the stock wire had been cut etc.

The stock alternator wire looks more like a 4 gauge wire on my trucks. Let me see about a picture.

 

[Cobraguy]

That is exactly the same wire and color code I have. I just looked in the factory wiring diagram and was quite surprised to see they don't list the size of that wire.

 

[CDW6212R]

Well then you should be fine with the good alternators. Note that the wire I added was only an 8 gauge, and it has the wire loom on it, that's smaller than the stock wire. I haven't gotten my air compressor done, so I haven't taxed my wiring.

If I had to do it again(I will for my 98 truck(stereo)), add an extra wire there the same size as stock. I bought that wire along with other wires online from a good source. I didn't see the wire sizes at the time I ordered those. I didn't recall the OEM wire being that large, it's at least a 6 and possibly a 4 gauge. So doing it again I think about a 4 gauge size would be good. I like over building stuff, and the "BIG 3" crap came along long after I've been doing wiring. It's common sense and you have plenty of that.