mobiledentrepair

I just swapped out my 2001 xj alternator with a 2001 durango 136 amp alternator. All the plugs were the same. I had to grind the alternator bracket down. 2001-2003 Dodge Durangos with the 5.9L motor came with a 136 amp and a 160 amp alternator. I woulda preferred the 160 amp alt but no bone yards around here had one. I plan on buying a new alternator after the holidays because I wanna run the 160 amp. Easy swap.

HiDefXJ

Soooooo........what's the verdict?
Is it still working?
How can you spot the difference between the 136 and the 160?


Thanks

88_cherokee

by putting the number on the alternator in google. i did it and used a link that stated what number had what amps

wrapstar

When I did this I had to grind the block also. I was wondering if you had to do it, you have to be careful how many miles are on the donor these are known for the brushes wearing out quick. But its a great upgrade for the price

HiDefXJ

So have you had any issues with your charging system since the swap?
Are there any physical differences between the 136 vs the 160?
Do you roughly know the $ of a new one?
Any distinguishing characteristics of the 136 amp donor vs the 160? (Why did dodge use two different sizes on this particular vehicle)?

HiDefXJ

Also,
Did you do any other upgrades like battery, cabling, fuses etc.?

Thanks again!

wrapstar

Physically the 136 looks the same as the jeep, the 160 has a plastic back and an exposed stator "black ring in the middle". In 2002 they started 2 durango models slt and slt plus. All you need is to upgrade the wiring atleast 4ga. The cost for a new 160 is $210 at a parts store because they wont accept a different core.

HiDefXJ

Cool! This is the solution I have been looking for.
Don't mind spending the $ if its money well spent.
So a 160 from a 2002 Durango with a 5.9L. Should be enough info for the monkeys at the local car parts store to look it up in their system.
I also think I read on one of the xj forums that there was a guy who put together a beefier cabling kit and was selling it. Is this the one you purchased?
Thanks again!

cpurdue

Does anyone know if a 160 amp from a 4.7L will work just like the 5.9L? My local JY has 3 160's all for $45 each from a 4.7.

wrapstar

No its an offset mount xj's have a straight mount

CrawlerXJ

I read on here, this was a direct bolt on. No grinding. Why do I see some require it and others not? Are they winding it up from a 90 amp to a 160 amp and the housing is the same is why?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1998-Jeep-Cherokee-Alternator-2-5L-4-0L-160Amps-/190470447306?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c58ec60ca&vxp=mtr#ht_2985wt_1018

5-90

I've posted donor lists so you can get COTS/OEM without having to go to the boneyard! 136A & 160A donors.

Don't forget to upgrade your wiring - it's a cinch that, if you're going to upgrade the capacity of your alternator, you'll want to make use of it. If you want to do that, you'll NEED to upgrade the OEM wiring, because they're awfully "optimistic" in their estimations...

Recommendations:
4AWG 1A-150A.
2AWG 1A-220A or so.
1AWG 1A-275A or so.

Going past that? We need to talk. Probably about quite a bit, because that much electric would need to be handled effectively... (I've dealt with automotive/industrial equipment systems generating up to a total of 600A or so, using multiple high-output alternators...)

CrawlerXJ

Part #'s for wire swap or pics? Thanks

5-90

Hit me backchannel.