TJ Alternator Upgrade - what works?

BaaBaa · Apr 24, 2006

I finally traced some problems I've been having to a bad alternator. As always, I don't see the point in spending $100 on a replacement when I can spend $150 on an upgrade, so here goes.

I read the BC4x4 write-up and mistakenly thought I'd found a 136 amp replacement from a Dodge Durango. Didn't work.

Does anybody know of another alternator that can be swapped into a TJ that'll output higher amps than stock?

53080 · Apr 24, 2006

I don't have any experience with this but I was reading an article or something somewhere and the mean green alternators were suppose to be 'better'. I don't know any specifics but you may do a search on those.

BaaBaa · Apr 24, 2006

Mean greens put out a lot more amps, but they cost a ton.

I'm hoping somebody will know of an OEM alternator from another vehicle that fits TJs and put out around 120-140 amps. Anyone?

BEANS · Apr 24, 2006

Installing a different alternator other then the factory or factory equivalent is difficult. Due to the fact that the charging system is tied to the PCM. The amount of DC current produced by the alternator is controlled by the EVR circuitry contained within the PCM. The battery temperature sensor along with data from the monitored line voltage is used by the PCM to vary the battery charging rate.
If your not getting a check engine OBDII trouble code the charging system is fine.
part # 56041822AA rated 124 amps

gUanoTJ · Apr 24, 2006

i've got a mean green. i really like it, but as was said it costs a lot more for the extra output. if you need the high output i would say go for it cuz you'll definitely notice a difference with that and an optima

69248 · Apr 24, 2006

I have seen a few alternators on ebay that are rebuilt, 165A output, and claim to bolt right on. I have no idea if it's that simple or not.

53015 · Apr 24, 2006

So I am guessing no one knows wich alternator is compatible with a TJ? I would also like to know. :brickwall

BaaBaa · Apr 24, 2006

No way I can afford a mean green right now... nor do I need one, since I won't be running anything extreme for at least 2 more years.

BaaBaa · Apr 25, 2006

Anybody know from the Tuesday group?

kizer · Apr 25, 2006

Heres a mod that a buddy did.
http://www.links4jeeps.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3591

It was on a YJ, but there is a bit of info for you to pick through.

63623 · Apr 25, 2006

i heard the alternator from the zj fits with very little mods to the bracket and provides more spark.

BaaBaa · Apr 25, 2006

The mounting is entirely different on the 2000 TJ apparently... instead of two mounting points on opposite side of the alternator body (6 o'clock and 12 o'clock), the 2000 has mounting points at six o'clock and 2 o'clock. From what I can tell in pictures, the 4 cyl TJ's used the old style while the 6 cyl's moved to the newer one... long story short, I can't find anything under $300 to replace my blown alt.

Jeepin' Rock Cl · Apr 26, 2006

If you have a 2000, you're hosed. Pre 2000 is an easy swap from a number of vehicles. Alts are same from 97-99, changed in 2000, changed again in 2001 and (IIRC) are still the same today.

racinghoss · Apr 26, 2006

2000 Grand Cherokee. I have read that it will work. Same brackets, same belt.

Richd1963 · Apr 28, 2010

BaaBaa said:
The mounting is entirely different on the 2000 TJ apparently... instead of two mounting points on opposite side of the alternator body (6 o'clock and 12 o'clock), the 2000 has mounting points at six o'clock and 2 o'clock. From what I can tell in pictures, the 4 cyl TJ's used the old style while the 6 cyl's moved to the newer one... long story short, I can't find anything under $300 to replace my blown alt.

I just ordered one of these for my '05 with the same clocking for mounting. We'll see.. Should be here in a few days.

00-05 NEW JEEP WRANGLER HIGH OUTPUT ALTERNATOR 165A

Richd1963 · May 5, 2010

Got it

I just got the new, lifetime warranty High output alternator last night in the mail. I opened the package to see if it looked like the right one, and it does. Will install it within the next day of so. Will try to include pics.

Richd1963 · May 6, 2010

The box arrived yesterday, I couldn't wait to check it out, besides they have a return policy. It appears to have the correct mounting configuration and electrical connections as the stock Alt. so I am pretty sure it will do the trick. FIshing Saturday, so I guess I will be installing it Sunday. I hope I don't forget to get some pics.

Richd1963 · May 10, 2010

OK, so I finally got the alt installed, took longer to take pics than actually get it in. It required NO modifications, completely plug and play. I am including some pics for your ref.

DanZ51 · May 10, 2010

I'm interested to see how your new alt performs, Rich.

I had a bad experience years ago with "hi performance" GM Si style alternator. Seems the quoted extra output was only at higher RPMs, At idle & low RPMs the output was actually less than stock :rantscream:.

Been alittle wary ever since.

Richd1963 · May 11, 2010

Ya know what. The alt. came with some documentation from testing, aparently from a reputable company. When I get a chance I will get the other PC fired up and scan it in as a document and try to insert it into this thread, maybe it will help you. It showed the alts. output at different rpms. I know that it is only here say from the company that sold the alt. to me, for what its worth. I will try to find someone to test the output so I can see the reality. But at least at this time I don't have any reason to not trust the seller. I will keep this thread advised of any new news in regards to the alt. Thanks for sharing your concerns.

TJ Alternator Upgrade - what works?

BaaBaa

53080

BaaBaa

BEANS

gUanoTJ

69248

53015

BaaBaa

BaaBaa

kizer

63623

BaaBaa

Jeepin' Rock Cl

racinghoss

Richd1963

Richd1963

Richd1963

Richd1963

DanZ51

Richd1963

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