1988 MJ 2WD 4.0 Alternator Which One?

[88manche2wd]

Hello All,

 

I am needing to buy an alternator for the MJ. I like shopping on RockAuto as I have choices in the parts I am buying. My truck came with a 61amp unit as per the sales info I found. RockAuto offers a PureEnergy 61amp new for $50 bucks without core or I could get a higher amp unit new. I don't know anything about the PureEnergy brand but I like that its new. Sounds really cheap that has me worried. Given the alternator is mount down low this is not something I am wanting to change often so I am willing to pay more for something that will last. I like the Remy or AC Delco brands but they only offer 105 and 100 amp options new. I am not sure about going to a higher amp output and the pitfalls that might carry. Anyone done this and able to keep stuff stock? And without doing mods? 

 

There are remanufactured Remy's at 61amps but that is the cost of a new one. I am not big on remanufactured as I know they don't last the same as new. I was a tech at a Ford dealer 25 years ago for a short while and I remember seeing Ford remanufactured alternators out of the box not working by the dozen. It was a real joke. The ones that did work failed within 24 months. We had a lot of come backs on those. 

 

Let me know what you guys have done. Thanks

[Big Dan]

I installed this Bosch unit, two years ago, and have had zero issues. FWIW, it was $100 when I got it. $150 now.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/bch-al653n/overview

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

[Torq_Shep]

Get the higher amp 100% 

 

I believe all renix harnesses have a fusible link between harness alternator and battery and I believe they are all the same rating IIRC. Therefore you should have no issue moving to the 105 amp factory style alternator. Once you go past a factory rating (130 or 160 amp) you will need to upgrade your harness as well. 

 

@Minuitknows the wiring on these trucks better than me. He can confirm or deny the above statement. 

[Pete M]

if your batt cables are original, now's the time to change them out too.  

[88manche2wd]

The owner before me had just changed them. Thanks

[88manche2wd]

16 hours ago, Big Dan said:

I installed this Bosch unit, two years ago, and have had zero issues. FWIW, it was $100 when I got it. $150 now.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/bch-al653n/overview

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
 

Thanks for the info. I like the Bosch quality. Rockauto was not showing this one as an option. I might go with it.