Alternator refresh
 

I have a 95xj with a 90 amp alternator. It's ok but sometimes with all the extra crap it barely keeps up. I picked up a deal on a lightly used one from a part out. It is a nippondenso 117 out of a 2000 so it will give me a few extra amps for the lights and winch. I've swapped them before but never cleaned one or rebuilt one. Anything basic I could do before swapping it in?

Update:
Went as far as dissemble down to removing the brushes. They look almost new compared some pics online. There is some surface rust on the pulley but it turns freely. Is it worth cracking the case to swap the bearing or just clean everything and reassemble?

Are you planning on upgrading your cables?

Probably good idea so yes. I was thinking they would be close enough to use the same wiring. But it is pretty old and easy enough to swap.

I think you'll find that the 2000 Alternator is wired differently than the 1995 and won't work.

They look the same and on most parts houses list 1991-2001 as the same spec for direct fit. Hopefully I'll have time this weekend to pull the old one and compare. I'll post pics once I do. Thanks for the heads up!

It will work, but you will need to swap out the wiring connector with one from a 99+. the 2000 uses a "push-on" connector, while the 95 will have the wiring held on with two bolts. Since you have it a part you may just be able to swap the backs too (I've never taken one apart so I can't confirm this).


95 Alt:
http://www.rockauto.com/info/14/NP_2..._Bac__ra_p.jpg
00 Alt:
http://www.rockauto.com/info/14/NP_2..._Bac__ra_p.jpg

Thanks, great idea. I was going to take some cruiser advice and upgrade the wiring too. Might be easiest to throw the 2000 connector on then as well.

If your doing the swap, and upgrading the wiring, I know there are some other Junkyard alternators that will swap in and give you 130+ amps, and for the 2000 Cherokees (what I have) you can use a Durango 5.9L alternator and get 160amps out of it with some small grinding on it to get it to fit.

That's what I use easy swap and cheap, I had mine rebuilt and rewound for more output. A full wiring upgrade is a must with these, a member (TS-590) here sells the kits for up to 200 amps excellent quality and directions.

Thanks for the heads up on wiring. I was thinking I would have to make my own. I don't see a. TS-590 on the members list. Gone maybe?