Higher output alternator for '95 4R?

[T4R4ME]

So, it looks like my alternator is going out again, with about 6 years and 50k on it. It was replaced by the dealer under warranty the first time.

I haven't confirmed if that is the problem for sure or not, but that is what I suspect is causing the battery to not charge. I have been thinking about getting a higher output alternator for a while now since I have a good amount of electronics in it. I also suspect this is what is killing my batteries within a year or so.

Has anyone here used a higher output alternator in a 4R? If so, how did it work out? I've seen the Mean Green and Load Boss alternators. Any others to consider? Also, can anything be damaged by using an alternator with a significantly higher out put than stock? Anything else I'd want to change (such as battery cables) if I do this?

Thanks!!!

 

[Ulfr]

I don't know if you've found a solution to your problem, but here are my 1/4 a dollar.

Higher output alternators have been put in T4Rs and without problems on other mechanical sides. AFAIK.
I think the battery leads are well enough over-driven to handle the stress of a HO alternator. Besides, the alternator never is charging more than about 20-40A in a normal driving.

Also, have you checked the diode bridge and the voltage regulator on your alternator? Is the bearing of the alternator worn out, if it is, it should make a nasty sound when it turns, and be really hard to turn by hands, or at least make a silly noise whilst doing it.

These could be the problem, probably cheaper to just switch diode bridge if it's broken, or the voltage regulator, rather than buyin new alternator.
And also, you probably would want to get yourself a bigger battery or another one, (if you haven't done so already) rather than getting a bigger alternator.

But that's just what I think.

Hope you have good times.

Sinc, Ulfr - Undanfari

 

[T4R4ME]

Had my alternator rebuilt + upgraded

I came to the conclusion that there was something definitely wrong with my alternator as it was making a whining sound on-and-off and wasn't giving me a consistant output. Everything else related seemed to be ok. I did some more searching about ho alternators here and other places, including yotatech, and that led me to a post on ttora about a small shop in Auburn, California called Boyle Future Technology. They rebuild alternators and starters and such and also are able to change the windings to give them a higher output. I decided to send it to them.

So, I pulled my alternator and shipped it to them Wednesday afternoon. I received a phone call Thursday afternoon to tell me what was wrong with it, what they did and how much it was. I said ok, they shipped it back to me that day and I received it this afternoon - Friday. Two-day turnaround, including shipping time. Granted, I'm only 140 miles away from them, so typical shipping is 1 day.

I thought my bearings were going bad because it was making noise. However, it turned out to be the stator had gone bad. Apparently it was fried. But that would have needed to be replaced anway to upgrade it. They also changed the bearings and brushes while they were in there. They were able to get our stock 60amp alternator up to 71amps at idle and 129amps at high speed. I'll see if this resolves some of the issues I've had with batteries dying on me. Total price was $180, including tax and return shipping.

They seem like a good little shop. They were very knowledgable when I spoke to them on the phone. They answered all my questions. Even gave me an estimate over the phone before I even shipped the alternator to them.
I haven't installed this yet, so I can't tell you what the results are. However, over at ttora, several people have used them and all seem to be more than happy.

If anyone is interested, the following is their info. If you call, ask for Jeff or Greg. They're brothers and the owners.:

Boyle Future Technology
12325 Locksley Lane
Auburn, CA 95602
(530)888-6290