i have a 98 4.0 4x4 xj. after wheeling last night driving down the road my voltage meter maxed out and my head lights, tail/stop, and hella light all blow. i got it home and saw my winch power wire had a naked spot that was rubbing the frame. i fix it and nothing. then i unhooked the alternaror and it drove fine around the block on battery power only. leads me to think the voltage regulator is bad. i hear a 80s dodge external voltage regulator will work. if so how to wire it and do you even think this is the problem???

thanks cherokeeReed

It is possible that the voltage regulator in the alternator has gone bad, but it it also possible that there is a short in the battery. Both issues can cause an overcharge condition. Before you replace anything, have both the battery and alternator tested.

Testing the specific gravity in a battery will not tell you if there is a load short internally. The battery has to be electronically tested.

I know of a fella that comes in to the shop that did what you said about installing an external regulator to correct his alternator woes on his older Dodge Ram, but I truly believe that he has wiring issues and he just put a band-aid on a fracture and is headed for other problems down the road. I'd have your parts checked and replace whatever is malfunctioning with what was there in the first place. We check both components for customers regularly at AZ and our equipment is pretty reliable.

i thought the voltage regulator was in the computer not the alternator. i also thiink that my winch power wire shorted eveything out.

You are RIGHT! The regulator is in the computer and NOT in the alternator. Personally, I have not heard of anyone putting an external regulator on a any vehicle with one built in the computer.

there is a local alternator and starter rebuild place. that is going to put a regulator in it for 30 bucks. thanks tho