My '89 has the original Delco Remy CS130 (105 amp) alternator but it's on the way out. I've had a tough time finding a decent replacement and I can't just throw a Grand Cherokee alternator in my Renix like you can in newer Cherokees. I found a lot of rebuild kits for the 130 for $40 bucks (new bearings, rectifier, and brushes) but I've also found a 140 amp upgrade for the CS130 for $79 which is about half of what I can get a remanufactured 105 amp for.

Are there issues with rebuilding? It doesn't seem that difficult but if there's something inherently risky in rebuilding then I'll just continue searching for a warranted replacement. Thoughts?

 

You might take it to a starter/alternator shop and get a quote. I've found them to be very reasonable.

 

If you've never run out of juice with the 105 amp, I don't see a need to "upgrade".

It would be cool to keep your Jeep more original by having yours rebuilt by a local shop.

 

Replace with a new one. I was thinking of rebuilding mine when it ***** the bed but it's too much of a hassle to be honest. Better off just staying same amp without upgrade and be on your way

 

Will a 99 XJ fit on your app, if so they are 119 amp. I have had many alts/starters rebuilt for race cars the AC Delco's for obivious reasons on both well on starters it the high compression that kills them. The alts with HO were all converted to 1 wire.

 

That's what I would do.

 

Had mine rebuilt 6+ years ago at an automotive electrical shop for $45. Thing to do unless you need more capacity.

 

From what I've read, the Renix alternator uses a smaller chassis. I've read stories about people hacking up their frame rails to make room for an "upgraded" alternator from a later model XJ or ZJ.

The reason I was asking about rebuilding it myself is that this is my DD and I can't afford to be down for a couple days while the alternator shop tinkers around.

In the case of the upgrade, the 140 amp comes with a re-wound stator, bearings, brushes, bushings, and rectifier. I'm assuming my existing voltage regulator wouldn't have issues with the increased amperage? I do a lot of camping/adventuring and it would be nice to have the comfort of extra capacity but not necessary. The 25-year old 105 amp alternator that's in there now has never let me down.

 

"The 25-year old 105 amp alternator that's in there now has never let me down."

Leave it in there. A remanned one can blow out the next day or week after you put it on.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

 

Rebuilt my 136a GC alternator. Didn't do the bearings because they felt fine. Just sprayed the whole thing down with wd-40 and left it soak. But doing everything else is easy and its amazing the size difference in brushes.

 

Well, it's let me down, now. Because it sounds like a supercharger when I turn my headlights on and that's embarrassing. It still works but needs attention.

 

Auto zone 105 amp 79.00 lifetime .

 

The lifetime of those is 1-2 days. Maybe.

 

People won't dare challenge you to a drag race now.

 

If you want to rebuild it, it's a fun project. You will need a small gear/bearing puller though to remove the old bearings. Also if your slip rings are worn unevenly it would be a good idea to fix/replace those too. It can be a pretty extensive project if you tear into it enough. Most of the time you can simply get away with replacing the brushes.