alternator questions

[jtroski]

i have a 94' cherokee sport and i need to replace the alternator, what years would be compatable if i got one from the junkyard.

 

[5-90]

i have a 94' cherokee sport and i need to replace the alternator, what years would be compatable if i got one from the junkyard.

With the 1994, you should be able to use pretty much any Nippondenso-made Chrysler unit. Installing one from a later vehicle (like, say, a Durango or a Grand Cherokee) should also net you an increase in potential output - but that may entail a wiring upgrade and the need to install a larger fuse than what's in yoru PDC.

The only real "catch" is that I've always been a bit leery of junkyard electronics - I'll only buy stuff like that if I'm going to go through it myself before it goes on/in anything. Ditto anything more complicated than, say, a brick - go through and overhaul it, Magnaflux it (if necessary,) and just generally clean the thing up, since you've no idea what it's been through. There is also probably a reason that the vehicle is in the junkyard to begin with...

Nippondenso alternators can be identified by the letters "ND" cast into the central boss on the back of the case. I think the layout is fairly standard, but there are different case sizes - so not just any ol' ND alternator will do. Stick to Chrysler products for potential donors.

 

[jtroski]

ok, are the any year cherokees that wont fit?
i just wanna be able to take the old one off and put the new one right in its place, whit no issues.

 

[Matthew Currie]

The 94 has no voltage regulator in it - this is handled by the engine computer. XJ's before 91 have the regulator in the alternator, so I would expect you will not be able to use a pre-91 XJ alternator unless you modify it. Belt layout changed in 96, and I haven't really looked closely to see if the mounting differs in any important way (I'm not at home, or I'd go out right now and look at the 99 and 95 side by side). 91-95 would be the best bet for a no-hassle fit.

 

[5-90]

The 94 has no voltage regulator in it - this is handled by the engine computer. XJ's before 91 have the regulator in the alternator, so I would expect you will not be able to use a pre-91 XJ alternator unless you modify it. Belt layout changed in 96, and I haven't really looked closely to see if the mounting differs in any important way (I'm not at home, or I'd go out right now and look at the 99 and 95 side by side). 91-95 would be the best bet for a no-hassle fit.

Ayuh. 1991-up should fit - 1991-1995 will probably give the best fit. However, as mentioned, you can use a Durango or a ZJ/WJ/WK unit if you want a small boost in output (I think the Durango unit goes up to about 136A) - but I think some small modification to the mounting is required. That you would have to search for - I don't have the answer to that one in my hat.

And no, do not get a 1990 or earlier XJ/MJ alternator - they're Delcos. Different manufacturer, different regulator (internal vice external,) and different mounting.

 

[spudly]

Here's a write up on the 136A alternator swap: http://www.bc4x4.com/tech/2004/jeepalt/

Straight swap for the 90A would be (from the link):
1997-1998 Dodge Dakota
1991-1998 Jeep Cherokee
1991-1992 Jeep Comanche
1992-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
1991-1998 Jeep Wrangler