Ok so I installed the Taurus fan and now I need a little more juice to keep the battery happy. I've been reading posts and searching the WWW but now I'm even more confused. So if I have it right I have a 90 amp alt stock. I was thinking of going to a 120 amp but need to know what years to look for as a donor also was not clear on if I need to upgrade my wiring and if so what wires do I need to upgrade? I'm sure this has been covered a million times but it seems every post has different info and I'm just plain tired of trying to make sense out of all these threads I have been reading off of my many google searches as well as using the search on here.

Thanks,
Max

 

Max -
First and foremost: You are correct that you likely have a 90A alternator from the factory (I believe the 117A/120A alternator was used in VERY limited numbers, as a heavy-duty option for your year.)

Second point: Alternators up to 117A/120A will use the same frame size as your 90A unit - going to a 136A/140A or higher will require clearance-grinding about 1/4" of material thickness from the mounting area and bracketry (do not grind the alternator.) Clearance-grinding the mounting area will allow fitment of COTS/OEM alternators up through 160A (and probably larger, my catalogue is dated 2006.)

Third point: I have posted donor lists, including representative applications, Cham/LSTR part numbers (usable anywhere,) and known issues with wiring. Check here or at JeepForum first (I use the same username on all automotive boards.)

Fourth: While boneyard parts may be appealing, I don't think salvage electrics should be used except in extremis or unless you're already planning on going through them. You don't know what you're getting. Go buy a reman - or, better, find a local shop that does rewinds, and deal with them. The numbers I've posted on the donor lists will be just as good with a rewind shop.

Fifth: In most cases, the OEMs were horribly optimistic in their assumptions when selecting wiring. I am rather pessimistic - but my work doesn't cause electrical fires. DO replace your mains wiring - at the very least, the alternator-to-PDC lead (including fuse,) the battery-to-engine ground, and the PDC-to-battery lead. BARE MINIMUM - and you should probably do more, because how old is that wiring? And, OEM mains aren't sealed against acid vapours and crud, so how clean is it? Contaminant intrusion causes trouble...

 

So I guess my next question is would the 120 amp alternator be enough to compensate for the Taurus fan? I don't Plan on adding any other electrical components as this is a DD.

Max

 

My thought is the 120 amp should do you proud UNLESS you're going with an electric winch or plow lift, lots of lights, or a large transmitter.

 

Nope just the fan. This is my daily driver and has no mods other than the fan. Just something for me to cruise around in with my kids and pups. No snow or mud just regular paved roads and maybe a boat ramp here and there lol

Max

 

Well it has the 56005685 on it is that the 90 amp or the 120 amp. I've found that part number on forums as listed as 90, 117, & 136. http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f12/l...-94-yj-658809/ says its all 3. http://thejeep.com/shop/HARD+PARTS/E...E++90+AMP.html says 90 amp. I just want to make sure I get the right one for my needs lol Mine says Family 90HS, does that mean its the 90 amp?

Thanks,
Max

 

Okay, check with quadratec.com for a Omix-Ada 120 amp alternator, manufacturer's part #17225.22, price $249.00. It's supposed to be a direct fit for your ZJ.

 

My local parts house has a 120 amp alternator for my year jeep w/the 4.0 on the shelf but I just want to make sure that the one I have currently is a 90 amp, I assume that's what the "family 90HS" means?

Max

 

http://www.allpar.com/eek/ELECTRIC.HTML
Identifiable by a tag which reads 'FAMILY 90HS' on OE alternators, or by the elongated ears on the rear housing for the mounting of the wiring harness. Similar versions of this alternator and its 120A sister were, and continue to be, used on all manner of Chrysler-built vehicles.

 

Awesome, that was what I was looking for. So family 90hs is a 90a and Family 120hs is a 120a. Easy enough.

Thanks you guys!
Max

 

136a or 160a out of a GC. It's easy, just grind till it fits. Probably a good time to upgrade those wires to something a little more substantial.