Higher output alt for the 3FE

[lt1fire]

I'm looking to see if there are any options out there for a higher output alternator for the 3FE on an 80. I've gotten more into camping and running accessories and feel that sooner or later i'll run into problems with the stock set up.

Anyone know of a gm one or something that will work??

 

[EOE_overland]

Not sure about the 3FE's on the 80s (I got a 62), but you'll probably have more luck in the 80 forum with this one?

 

[Trollhole]

Al here is what I would do. Find an alternator shop in your area (should be quite a few). Go see them and show them what you have. I'm betting they will be able to give you all the options and quickly.

 

[Josh N]

Al here is what I would do. Find an alternator shop in your area (should be quite a few). Go see them and show them what you have. I'm betting they will be able to give you all the options and quickly.

Many of those shops can build you one to do anything you want just as an FYI.

 

[fj62max]

I bought a mean green and it lasted one year. it was the voltage reg. I wouldnt recommed it. its to much money, had bad luck with it, and the service at mean green is the wrost ever. If i was you i would upgrade your factory one.

 

[Moby]

This thread is old but... I've run 2 different 175 amp units on my 3FE. The first was a Mechman unit. Ford case with custom brackets that theta made. The brackets were finicky and I think that I eventually killed it by continually over tightening the belts to try to keep the belts tights.

I've currently got 20,000 miles on a 175 amp unit built out of a stock case by Wrangler/Northwest Power Products out of Portland. Never had a problem with it, it fits and functions just like stock but drives my dual yellow tops (with 1/0 cables), on board PC, amp, dual SPAL fans, and lights without any problem. It uses a slightly undersized pulley for better idle output. Idle output still isn't quite as strong as I'd like but it is much better than stock, even when running the fans and lights.

 

[dogcatch'n]

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/206807-upgrading-stock-alternator-130-150-amp.html

 

[lt1fire]

that's for a 1fz

 

[mwalls54]

I run the 200 amp mean green on the 60 and its been awesome. I know they make a 140 amp for the 3fe. But It might be alot cheaper getting a local shop to rework your stock one

 

[dogcatch'n]

that's for a 1fz

if you read the thread , it might give you some ideas...

you could think outside the box and get a tundra/sequoia alt. , by making A SIMPLE bracket/adapter.

a tundra/sequoia alt. puts out about 130 to 150 amps and its a toyota part.

just an idea...

 

[Mark W]

If you are desmogged... put a second factory alt in the smog pump location. Use a single belt pulley from an earlier model cruiser alt. It is a bit tight at the upper rad hose, but it is simple to make it clear. This only gives you a (rated) 140-150 amps, but it also provides redundency for your charging system, which is never a bad thing when you are really out in the back country.

I have done this on a couple of '62s and it works great. I had extra alts and wiring harnesses on hand so it cost me nothing. I may eventually upgrade to dual GM alts for lower cost, higher output and greater availability of spare parts on the road.


Mark...

 

[Radd Cruisers]

The other side of this is to run components that have much less electrical draw - you won't need to install a more powerful alternator and you will save money on power-robbing fuel consumption.

There are lots of ways to decrease electrical demands - have a look at what you're using power for and see if there are better quality parts with less consumption that you can use.

Many of the high output alternators on the market are not really set up for the cooling demands under max load all the time. They might be able to hit the rating, but is that a peak output or a consistent hot output? Make sure you're comparing apples to apples...

I lived for years and years with a 20A alternator in my little BJ42 and never once thought of needing more amperage. It is a lot about what you do with what you have, rather than just brute forcing things.

...just trying to offer another viewpoint.


~John

 

[SHERMAN FJ62]

You also need to make sure your wiring harness and wires are up to handle
all that extra voltage. HO alt. Do cause issue and have caught vehicles on fire. I would test your current alt to see if it is pushing out it max load. Alt do lose power over time.