A good alternator upgrade?

[chimpy]

Just wondering where to get a higher output alternator that would be a close to stock fit on my 2001 T4R. On my 99 ZR2 Blazer ,I was able to use a stock alternator(AD244) from a 2006 GMC Yukon 2500 that is rated at 145 amps(90 at idle).It bolted right in ,just had to get a longer belt.It made a big difference on my ZR2. Just looking for the same results for my 4runner.I may run a dual battery set-up so this would be a nice addition.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Look into the CS-144 upgrade. It's a GM alternator that can be bolted into place on the 5VZ with very little trouble.

CS-144 alternator install - YotaTech Forums

UltimateYota.com - GM CS-144 140amp alternator install

GM Alternator Upgrade Questions - YotaTech Forums

Slick wiring solution, to avoid having to buy the CS-144 pigtail:

Part # W1232 Alternator Wiring Harness Adapter. converts CS130 or CS144 4 pin Plug to Toyotal Oval Style Alternator Plug

 

[rickashay]

BAM! BigFish just kicked this threads ass with some killer info.

I have been researching the same upgrade, nice moves on finding that pigtail adapter.

 

[chimpy]

:wow2: Awesome info BigFish. Looks like another upgrade project :banana:

 

[Bill_Dunnigan]

I'm definitely doing this when mine fails, seems like a no brainer!

 

[chimpy]

Checked the pricing on the alternators. Not too expensive.Love the adapter plug!

 

[JWaldz]

I know it's probably obvious... but honestly, what are the ultimate benefits one would see in swapping to a heavier duty alternator? Especially for those who just run one battery and not many additions.

 

[matthinnant]

95 cadillac deville alternator will work you just need a few washer to put on the bottom bolt so it lines up good, I did this one on my 4runner and love it. I believe its a 140 amp

 

[TN BlueRaider]

I know it's probably obvious... but honestly, what are the ultimate benefits one would see in swapping to a heavier duty alternator? Especially for those who just run one battery and not many additions.

Well I used to be into car audio, and it was always ideal to have an alternator with a high idle output. You could run all your stuff, a couple batteries, amplifiers, and anything else in the car without killing your batteries.

The stronger alternator is able to keep everything charged without straining as hard as a stock one that would fry itself after a lot of abuse. But basically if you are not running a lot of stuff, and only have one battery. Theres not really a major benefit..

 

[chimpy]

I know it's probably obvious... but honestly, what are the ultimate benefits one would see in swapping to a heavier duty alternator? Especially for those who just run one battery and not many additions.

Just like money; better to have a little extra.:biggrin2:

 

[hrt4me]

95 cadillac deville alternator will work you just need a few washer to put on the bottom bolt so it lines up good, I did this one on my 4runner and love it. I believe its a 140 amp

has it been holding up well?

 

[Coastal616]

I've been thinking about this too since I Spooled in the rope on my new winchthe other day and the engine stalled with no load on the winch other than me trying to spool it nicely. Pretty weak.

 

[matthinnant]

has it been holding up well?

Its been holding up great, the only grip I have about it is when you sit at lights or something for awhile your lights will dim abit but its prolly b.c my electric mark 8 fan kicks on at times like that

 

[theizzardking]

has it been holding up well?

yeah, i think another member has been through a few of them on water crossings.....i'd like a durability report as well, i was all set to buy one then heard a few bad things about other alts and water and have been on the fence...i feel like the wiring in my truck is turning into that of a spaceship so i'm going to need more power soon, people have mentioned mean green as they seemed to be sealed better...what i really want one of our razy members to do is use a water cooled sealed unit like this
HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS: Water-Cooled Alternators

though bmw has one already in use..
BMW E65/E66 7-Series Water Cooled Alternator OEM (180amp)

i think the first one would be better and possibly easier to adapt....haha...maybe.....

 

[downpour11]

Hopefully the Hitatchi one isn't a whopping $800 dollars too! :wacko::wow2:

 

[FancyPantsMcGee]

LCengineering sells high-output 160amp alternators for 97-99 and 00-04 5vz's for $285. a bit pricey for my taste but it takes all the guess work out of it.

 

[UnderFire]

You could go with a rewound stock alt, which is most likely what you'll get if it's 160A in a stock looking casing, the problem is, if you're having the problems at idle, you probably won't gain much, because a rewound stock alt has pretty close to the same Idle output. The best thing for you to do IMO would be a CS130 or CS144 swap.

I'm coming from the Car Audio world as well, so this is one of my "Areas of specialty."

 

[BrianSD_42]

You should really make sure your battery is good before replacing your alternator.

I bought a used on from a scrapyard for about $80 but I haven't installed it yet.

I solved my slow drain issue (anytime I leave the truck for 2 weeks) by connecting a DC solid trickle charger my electrical system. I leave it in the dash while the truck is sitting.

I also plan to do the "big three upgrade" soon. That will also help with recharging. I have run up to 1000W RMS sound system and still never needed a bigger alternator.

 

[Stick Figure]

I haven't had any issues with my stock alt keeping up with the dual battery set up and fridge yet, but with the amount of miles on it I'm sure its only a matter of time before something wears out. What i can't bring myself to do is even consider a GM part, so I'm thinking of maybe just adding a second stock alternator to the mix. Especially since all you guys are switching over to GM's I should be able to pick up a stock one cheap! More reliable and even if one fails, I can "limp home" on the good one still.

 

[BillIam]

Mechman Alternators, High Output Alternators, Built in the USA, Call 1-888-MECHMAN! the best in the business up to 370 amps available!