So..my I just installed hids on a harness...I have a sound system ready to go in, I plan on using extra lights and I'm really worried I'm gonna overpower the ol jeep.

With my s10 I swapped alternators for an ad244. Took care of all my power issues forever.

What can I do to beef up my system? I've already swapped all the stock wiring for thicker stuff what else...
I'll get a spectre cowl intake if it means I can use another battery I guess

 

Another battery could just cause more issues if you're alternator can't charge them fast enough. Just get a higher output alternator.

 

Yeah my post seemed dumb when I read it back.
Is there an alternator people typically swap err what...? Most likely can't afford a brand new one

 

Durango v8 alternator swap... 160 amps

 

What kinda modification does this require if any?

I see you have to grind down the mounting bracket some...which is annoying cause I really hate the location of these alternators

 

Delete the AC and move the alternator upwards. Depending on what year your xj is, the wires may be plug and play

 

I used a 136 amp on mine only a small amount of grinding on the mount needed to install then plug and play no other mods. Bought it from a member here for $100 shipped new rebuilt works great and much better output than the 117 amp stocker. I know only 20 amps but it does show when I'm running most all of my trail lights (3 sets Hella Black Magic's and 1 set side Hella 8").

I do run 2 large Optima batteries with a isolator, even using one battery and my Superwinch 9.5 it runs a more steady speed longer at idle while winching. Here you can see the lights (except for the side ones hadn't been mounted yet) and there 8" rear Hellas for backup and work lights.

 

I used a Durango 136 amp alternator, which my local starter & alternator shop rebuilt and rewound to around 150 amps (load tested). Only cost me $20 for a junkyard alternator, and $120 for the alternator rebuild and rewind (rebuild only was $70 IIRC).

Can anyone confirm that the Durango 160 amp alternator is physically BIGGER than the 136 amp alternator? I was under the impression that the case size was similar, and would fit in the stock location.

You will need to grind the alternator bracket and engine block for clearance regardless of which alternator you get (ZJ or Durango), but if you have a die grinder it is no more than 2-3 minutes of grinding to massage it in. You absolutely must upgrade the main alternator positive wire to the battery with an appropriate fuse though.

EDIT:
Just for fun, here is an old picture of the old vs new brushes;
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...112_230326.jpg

I was trying to find a picture of my old alternator next to the new one, but I dont know where I uploaded it to

 

Damn, the engine block too?

My system is pretty modest
Only 400 watts rms
30 inch led light bar
35 watt hids

 

Now just thinkin about doin a capacitor or getting rewound or getting a better battery....I think I got ahead of myself with the alt swap idea...just sounds like a pita.

 

It took me 2 hours start to finish - its super easy!

Basically, remove the old alternator and bracket. Keep grinding at the bracket until the new alternator bolt holes line up (taking off too much here doesnt matter).

Next, slide the whole assembly into the car, and look for where you need to grind at the block. There are two "nubs" with PLENTY of meat on em to grind for clearance. Keep going until the whole things lots into place. Then, just bolt everything back up and put the belt back on.
You will still need to upgrade some of the wiring, but not a big deal.


Also consider replacing your battery, if you have a stock sized 550cca battery. I shoehorned an 800CCA battery in mine with some small mods to the battery tray;

 

I fit in a 800 amp battery with no mods to the tray

 

Okay, well when you put it that way it doesn't sound terrible...
I was brainstorming with the techs at work and they were against the alt swap..

I have an 800 but it's that Walmart brand crap

I've done the ground and got better terminals but the hots running to the alternator looks like a pain too

 

So it's my understanding that I should look for a 5.2 99 durango?

Have I said already that I hate the location of our alternators? Freakin buried and stupid

 

I think a group 34 size battery can fit but it might need modification to the tray.

Honestly I don't think you are overloading your factory alternator just yet. Keep in mind you saved ~20w per side when you did hid lights. 400w RMS isn't a crazy amount, but a 1 farad capacitor would be a good idea.

If you want to have a warm fuzzy feeling about your charging system, do the 136a alternator. It's really not that much grinding and you already upgraded your wiring for the additional available power, so why not.. you should be able to get one from a salvage yard for like $35.