michaellane

so i have a 1998 2 door jeep cherokee manual 4cyl.

i have done some reading over the past few months and i have found two things. 1st that my computer(?) controls the amount of amps the alternator delivers and 2nd that my factory alt does around 90amps. BUT i have read somewhere else that the computer (?) will actually allow up to 150 amps total. i am wondering is this true? i am looking to buy a high output alt to run a few things. this is one of the alt's i have been looking at

http://www.ebay.com/itm/250743223318...84.m1438.l2649

or

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jeep-Wrangle...item53eb496b08

or

lol well i couldnt find any more, but maybe you guys could point me in the right direction. i know some companies offer some HO alts but i do not want to spend a arm and a leg if i dont have. i have seen most of them selling for around $550.00 and that is just too much IMO. any ideas or anything would help.

kjc

Hiya. Yes the PCM has an internal voltage regulator, but, it's not the amps being regulated.. it regulates the voltage from 'whatever' alternator you use to something like 14.4 volts. The 'amps' only have to do with whatever accessories you're using on the Jeep. In other words, say you're running a winch that draws more current than your stock alt can provide. An alt. with a higher current or amp rating provides the extra current available for the higher draw accessory. Same voltage, just more current or power available. The only problem you 'could' run in to is for example, hooking up say, a power inverter to get 120v from your Jeep to run a welder. If the current draw is too high, it could wreck your regulator cause like you said above, it's only rated for up to 150 amps. Hope this helps

michaellane

thank you very much! i sent you a PM also