Alternator. I've got an optima

 

Search for member 5-90 on this site and you will learn all you need to know. He's forgotten more about the electical systems on XJ's than I will ever know. As far as an alternator, check out; http://singeralternators.com/# or search for ZJ or Durango alternator swap.

 

iv been doing custom charging systems for the past 12 years my dads been in the business for over 40 years. an alternator is just a battery maintainer i have a 170 amp alt. and two cheap batteries and i can run my stereo, aux. lights, heat and winch all at once with out any voltage drop. i can get the alts. for a dollar an amp plus shipping.

 

I've heard of the Durango swap I'll did check it out I've heard there's a little fab involved :S (only have one hand for six months )

 

Tenney alternators makes a 200amp alt for our jeep for 325 with a lifetime warranty. Insanely reliable alternator. He also makes up to a 325 but those are more geared for the car audio enthusiast and are not going to last as long as the 200. for batteries, I run Orielys super start AGMs. They are a Deka intimidator builts by East penn and are only 130 dollars for an AGM that will out perform a craptastic optima anyday.

 

Anyone have pics of a dual battery setup

 

Stock alternator is fine, if you have the 136AMP version.

I believe in the batteries being identical - two Optima yellow top 34/78.

Isolator between the two is a measure of security and provides redundancy, which is part of what I was looking for. Having them wired together, only provides more electrical reserve.

I use a solenoid switch that allows direct use of the second one if the main one dies.

The key to the electrical system is actually not the two batteries. It is replacing the OEM tiny wiring with heavy gauge, high quality cables and grounds. Otherwise it's like having a garden hose connected to a fire hydrant.

The second important issue is designing the installation with proper PDCs, so that nothing is directly connected to the batteries but the PDCs. A PDC is a power distribution center that contains the relays and fuses for all the extra circuits... Generally a little box - look at Wired HDH, they make one that is a copy of the product Wired Wagon use to sell...

 

I am running the Durango swap in my 99 as for fabrication all there is to do is a little grinding on the mount and a small amount on the block mount also replace the plug (easily found at a JY).It fits great and I have had no problems with it. I can run my winch, Aux lights, and stereo with real power fluctuation.

 

Pics are not going to help. You need the wiring diagram, or buy a kit. I have some pics in my thread on CF.

 

Actually it will .. because maybe I want to see how a second battery looks under the hood or Where its mounted ?

 

No point in having an isolator unless you are adding a starting only battery to your system so as only to use it during starting. Or for engine off car audio listening. If running dual batteries for the purposes stated, then make sure they are the same type and age so they charge evenly and dont burn out your alt. I also highly recommend a big 3 upgrade to it. Ive got a 220 amp alt to an optima yellow top deep cycle combo 34/78 with the big 3.

 

Only one location possible and involves taking the air box out..

 

Would love to see a picture.. Damn is that a crime lol

 

In the thread on CF..

 

Stock Alternator, dual Optima's, 8,000 winch, extra lights, compressor, no problems.