Alright so I am finally getting around to fixing my big XJ. Awhile ago the stock XJ mount just snapped clean off. So, working where I do, I am going to fab up one out of steel and mount it where my AC used to be (Just an idler pully there now) One problem... in order to do it the way I want to, the wings where the bolts go through are going to be too wide. It is either going to rub on the block or it will rub on the battery.

So, for those of you who know alternators... Can I just simply buy an alternator in the 120-150amp range online that has mounting holes that work and hook it up? I don't know that much about alternators but do they have to spin a certain direction? I know obviously the belt would have to grab as it does on the XJ.

For example, I am thinking about getting a 130amp ford alternator. One like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-F150-F250-F350-7-3L-Diesel-130-amp-Alternator-REMAN-1995-1997/380445732052?_trksid=p2141725.c100338.m3726&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20150313114020%26meid%3D15f60bc1378d4c86b3c4db035fcf36e3%26pid%3D100338%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D28%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D380356706014 (not off ebay probably)
That particular one also came in rangers and is about the same size I believe.

It would be super easy for me to weld a few threaded studs from the bottom up of my mount and just bolt it in place. The boost in amps would be nice, it would be easily replaced and out of the water. I assume the plug on the back could be easily mated together to work (just splice a ford end on my harness)

Thoughts? And thanks.

 

If you can reuse the stock mount someway just use a Durango alt 130 amp can be rewound for up to 150 amp or so.

 

I did a little on line reading about alternators, yes they can be spun in the opposite direction and will work fine. The only issue talked about is cooling. The internal cooling fins will not be as efficient as needed.