Is it possible to run dual alternators if so how would i do this and also how can i convert an a/c compressor to a air compressor?

 

There are a number of writeups out there on converting aircon to OBA - Google is your friend (I have no reason to go into detail.) Many of the writeups concern converting a York compressor - which is Hell-for-strong - to engine-driven OBA, but there are also more than a few writeups for converting Sanden (which is what you have) as well.

Second alternators is just common enough - Ford does it from the factory for ambulances and police vehicles (typically using a 160A primary and a 140A secondary.) Best way to do it is to get an internally regulated alternator - like a Delco CS130 or CS144 - and have it set up for a self-exciting or "one-wire" installation. Adapt it to the mounting location, and wrap a belt around it. Connect the wire, and the internal regulator will then know if it needs to do anything.

Why for do you want a second alternator? I only ask because it would be useful to assess your requirements, and maybe find a more efficient way for you to spend your money (it may not be the mod you want for what you need...)

 

Well i have a second stock alternator and was wanting to use that circuit if possible specifically for winching lights etc...

 

Lighting - don't need it unless you're going to get stupid with the lights ("noon at midnight" sorta thing...)

Winching - they don't make an alternator yet that can fully power a winch.

So, running it on a separate circuit would be counterproductive - and if you're running a Nippondenso stock, you're going to need to install a second regulator (to drive the thing) as well.

Sounds to me like you want to make sure your battery has plenty of reserve capacity and upgrade your primary alternator - tell me about your rig, and we'll see if we can't come up with a better plan between us.

 

agreed.... ive seen a ton of vehicles running winches and lights and never had a second altenator or even a aftermarket one... it takes A TON of crap to need one...

 

also ive read the ZJ's put out more juice and can be moded to fit pretty easily...

 

ahh well i just heard about from a buddy so i wanted to ask around kinda feel it out

 

X2.....not much needed to make it fit either

 

ill take that extra ones off ur hands if u dont want it i need one for my trail rig... let me know

 

yes i have heard, and seen the ones off the ZJ's work. my wife has a 1995 jeep grand cherokee limited and it has a 136 amp alternator. i was told that if i grinded my bracket down a bit then it would fit. it has the same hookups as the 91-99 H.O system for the cherokee.

 

ahhh....a good productive thread. (Not that other threads are not productive, but this one is just great) Like 5-90 said, Ford uses a dual alternator set up on emergency vehicles, but it is needed because EV's have SO many electronics on board. Sounds like you're getting the proper advice, and I can't wait to see the outcome...I might steal some ideas for my rig when I decide to upgrade lighting and other things.

 

i just picked up an alternator and it tested to 136 amps at the junkyard out of a 98 jeep grand cherokee. it seems to be a little bigger then the stock one. so when i get my jeep back next weekend from my uncle then i am gonna make a thread on how to install a 136 amp alt into a H.O. Jeep Cherokee, if it is even possible and if it makes a difference or not