'78 alternator question and/or problem

[TLUNNUK]

Installing a new bosch alternator just purchased from MAF in my '78 fj40. Only one they had available was a remanufactured bosch (which wasn't a problem for me since I like bosch products). I instantly noticed that the housing was different than my original alternator. As you can see in the image, the alternator comes 1/4" shy of the bracket. I am sure the answer is something simple, but I'm not seeing it, and I am about to send it back to MAF to get a remanufactured toyota from SOR even though i would sure like to keep the bosch.

please advise.

-according to MAF, alternator is for 78-79.
-alternator bracket is original

 

[Coolerman]

The Bosch is not 'clocked' correctly. This means you are going to loose adjustment space.

You can use a spacer or washers to make up the 1/4" but you may find that you don't have enough adjustment to get the belt tight resulting in belt slippage. One way around that is to get a belt that is shorter than stock. Take the old one to a parts store and tell them you want one an inch shorter. That should get you the adjustment you need.

 

[xjnation]

Can you loosen the bolt holding the bracket and rotate it down to get the 1/4"? And coolerman is right, good chance you'll need a shorter belt.

 

[Coolerman]

I believe they gave you a Bosch alternator designed to fit the F engine, but it MIGHT be possible to swap the front alternator covers. It sure looks like everything lines up. This would give you the correct 2F clocking. Go here Alternator Rebuild
to see what I had to do to move the alternator to the passenger side. Jim C. pointed out that it was easy to swap the covers.

 

[TLUNNUK]

Looking at it last night I thought it maybe possible to swap the covers, though it made me unease to disassemble my new alternator. I loosened the bracket and can't get it close enough to attach and i would rather not bridge between the bracket and the alternator since that connection would more than likely slip over time.

I'll start by swapping the covers and see how it turns out.