Best high output alternator

[seymouj]

My alternator just went out and I figure I should replace it with a high output one in case I get a winch in the future. Is 140 amps good? Any suggestions on brands or sources?

I did find Craig H's suggestions on http://www.olypen.com/craigh/charge.htm and am planning these mods as well.

By the way, I have an 87 with 4.0, AC, stock stereo (with no plans of amp huge speakers etc.) and no extra lights or anything (yet).

 

[MudDawg]

That is a very well thought out tech article...any professional auto electric shop can take care of your needs...as long as they understand just what you need...just a matter of using the right parts...

 

[MJR]

If you had the 85-100A stock alternator (Delco CS-130 model) then you could buy a Iceberg high output kit from JC Whitney and rebuild it to 140A. You could also buy a rebuilt one off E bay where they have Delco's rewound for 180A. Most of these high output alternators I think require higher RPM's to work well ( don't have experience yet).

 

[Lincoln]

I just picked up one from these guys:

http://www.wranglernw.com

Expensive, but I'm tire of the diodes burning up in mine. Only ran it for a day so far.

Later,
Lincoln

 

[Moto]

I had the same dilema when my Alt. decided to die on me, so I upgraded to the mean green one Mean-Green . Because you have an 87 I do believe that it is entirely bolt in and you wont have to grind any brackets as with the newer model XJ's. I have been very happy with mine and have been pleased with how quiet it has been, my stock one had a slight squeak since the day I bought it but the MG one with full bearings was a nice improvement. I run 510 watts of light, Stereo with 600 watt amp, misc. things plugged into the AC outlets, the heater fan, rear defrost, and wipers and have no problem at all. It is a bit pricey but so far has proved to be worth the $.

 

[KarmirXJ]

this is what I did.

went to autozone, and bought me a STOCK (95AMP) alternator all their crap comes with a NO QUESTIONS ASKED LIFETIME WARRENTY , thats good enough for me. if you plan on wheelin your rig, through the trails most likely sooner or later you will blow your alternator( cuz it hangs down low, underneath your compressor. where it easily takes in water and other 'stuff'.), those HI amp alternators (especially MEAN GREEN)Cost too much, work like crap, why over rated/hyped, and in most cases not really needed. and when not IF they blow, get ready to refork the $.

Its very rare, when your alt cant meat the demands. Dont winch , run highbeams, blow the tunes, have all the bling bling rock lights, and spot lights goin at the same time. if you dont run too much electrical crap you will not have a problem.

I have a HS9500 warn whinch on my YJ that I just gave to my bro, I been winching for almost 2 years with that thing. stock alt never gave me a problem

but then again people do things differently, whatever floats your boat. Im just stating my opinnion/advise, so I really dont need any flamers

 

[MJR]

I also have a new 100A one I got at Pep Boys which is on mine till I upgrade the wiring to run the 180A one I bought off E bay.

 

[old dutch]

I put a Mean Green in my 88XJ. Its pricy and a tight fit but works well. With a two battery set up, Painless wiring, Warn winch, Hella Fog and Highway lights, and a Viair compressor; I needed something more than stock.

 

[Lucas]

Oh, and I thought my ride was pretty smooth with rustys coils up front, dakota springs in the rear, and rancho 9000s set low, but then I drove my Dad's stock 2000 and realized how much the lift affected the ride.

 

[seymouj]

After a bit of research, it seems there is a general consensus that the cs130 alternator isn't a very good one. They make an "iceberg" upgrade to try to improve it but I really like what KarmirXJ said about being able to just go get a replacement at the local parts shop.
I don't know if it will fit but I just ordered a cs144 for $170 + $14 shipping from http://www.alternatorparts.com/
I asked what it comes out of and they said they use an alternator from a 96+ chevy truck with the high output option and modify the mounting. They said they just round out one of the holes. They also said I will probably have to remove the rear mounting bracket because it's in the way and the cs144 doesn't need it.

It won't be here for a few days but I'll post a follow up and let you know how it fits if anyone is interested.

 

[MJR]

After a bit of research, it seems there is a general consensus that the cs130 alternator isn't a very good one. They make an "iceberg" upgrade to try to improve it but I really like what KarmirXJ said about being able to just go get a replacement at the local parts shop.
I don't know if it will fit but I just ordered a cs144 for $170 + $14 shipping from http://www.alternatorparts.com/
I asked what it comes out of and they said they use an alternator from a 96+ chevy truck with the high output option and modify the mounting. They said they just round out one of the holes. They also said I will probably have to remove the rear mounting bracket because it's in the way and the cs144 doesn't need it.

It won't be here for a few days but I'll post a follow up and let you know how it fits if anyone is interested.

It is proably possible to fit the larger one on a XJ but the clearance to the frame is close down there. The major problem with the CS-130 seems to be the diodes crapping out and some bearing issues.

 

[Moto]

The frame clearance it pretty tight down there, squeezing in the MG one was tight but fits nicely now, as for them working like crap, I am sure as with all products there are some bad ones, but mine has performed perfectly. When you wheel at night in the snow it is nice to beable to run all your lights, defroster, wipers heater etc and still listen to your stereo and my stock alt decided that it didnt want to do all that, so I upgraded and have been very happy with it, sure it might seem like its just running bling bling stuff but thats why I have an XJ and not and old flattie, its nice to have all those things and beable to use them whenever you want. But thats no flame or anything just my opinion that my alt doesnt work like crap and my reasoning for going with the MG but I am sure there are other options could be better suited for your application.

 

[vintagespeed]

Unless you are friends with an Alternator shop owner, buy the MG one. I had a 180 amp built and it rained the next day. The first 5 miles were awesome, everything turned on & the needle was pegged at 14 volts, then it got wet and took a crap. The answer from the alternator shop? It's modified, "thank you, come again." Screw that noise, 100amp stockers from here on out for me