have a 1988 jeep cherokee limited ... they tell me that there is 6 diff alts all diff amps.... pulled out the old one and it has no markings ... anyone know how i can tell what amp alt to get ?

 

What parts store did you check at. Advance Auto's web site only shows 2 amperage options.

 

tried 3 places .. talked to Advance they said there are 3 for the car ...thinking I should get the 100 amp one cause its loaded just want to be sure it doesn't mess anything up

 

I tried Oreillys website as well and still only see 2 options, 61 and 100 amp for factory replacement specs. Advance shows the size of the case is different, 61 amp has a 4 3/4 case, 100 amp is 5 1/8. There is also a 140 amp high performance option listed at Advance. Are there no casting numbers at all stamped on the casing?

 

The alternator for 1987-1990 w/AMC engine should be a Delco CS-130 - which refers to the diameter of the rotor (130m/m.) Any variation in the case typically refers to the length of the rotor, front-to-back. Thus, the mounting won't change.

There should be three options - 61A, 80A, and 100A. Most catalogues list replacing the 61A with the 80A, and this breaks it down to two options - 80A and 100A.

And, since the voltage regulator regulates current output (in a roundabout way. Just trust me on this one...) you can safely use an alternator with a higher rated output than the unit you're replacing. This is why I've not had any trouble running a 195A unit in my 88 for several years - it effectively "lives" at 45-50A output or so, but I can throw a full surface charge on someone's battery in about five minutes, and I've nothing to worry about with adding electrical goodies (light and what-have-you) later.

So, you can run the 100A unit just fine without worrying about your system. I've also talked my local shop into doing mail-order - if you want to go farther, he can wind you a 140A unit without too much trouble (click the link in my sig and scroll down until you see "San Jose Generator," if you want to check Rod's work out.)

 

+1 on what 5-90 says. Get the biggest one they make. The reason they have different Amp models is due to the factory options available. Different packages came with different alternators, and you can use which ever you think your application requires. If I ever replace mine, I'll get the biggest one they have due to my adding a hitch as the factory tow package would have come with it.

 

thank you all for your help !!

 

In addition to the above, I believe that the Limiteds and Laredos all came with the 100 amp. (my Laredo has a rebuilt 75 right now, but that will change).

Nick

 

How about the bigger alternator having enough room to fit between the frame? Has anyone had any issues at all with replacing the bigger one with the smaller one? I've been wanting to upgrade to the 100 amp unit myself before I put my winch and lights on mine.

 

My 88 has a 100 amp in it. The 88 style alternator just drops right out the bottom.(or at least it did on mine)

I also have a 91 and 92 which the alternators are 90amp and they go out the top(remove battery/battery tray)

 

did it come out with the 100 amp or the 60? Mine has the 60amp on it but the 100amp is physicaly bigger and mine comes out the bottom or top...depends on whether or not you want to remove the battery tray.