Atmos

my dad mentioned that I might as well upgrade to a performance alternator while I'm replacing everything else
my stock one is in decent shape as far as I can tell. any reason to upgrade this?
I googled a performance one. 220amp $350. nooooooo
OE replacement 110amp $85
oreilly 90amp $110
options?

odgreen

220 amp on eBay for 265.

macgyver35

Ask yourself these questions:

If you answer yes to any of them, you'll be better off having higher output alternator. Even if you answer no, it's up to you. If you've got the cash to pay 3 times as much as what a stock output alternator costs, just in case you ever need it, that's your choice. But if you can say no to all of these questions, you're just wasting your money, as you won't use the power. It'd be like stirring you coffee with a shovel, when a spoon will always get the job done just fine.

Will you be using a winch?

Will you be running more than 500 watts of auxiliary lighting?

Will you be using a stereo with a 500+ watt amplifier at half to full volume all the time?

Will you be using a 120 volt 500+ watt inverter to power anything for extended periods?

Will you be running any other accessories on board air/fans/upgraded headlights/etc. that will put 500+ watts or 41 amps of additional load on your system for extended periods (more than 20-30 minutes)?

Atmos

good points. I'll eventually be running a...
-winch
-2 off road lights
-a small amp
-slightly upgraded headlights

only the music and headlights would be going for longer than 20min

Atmos

thats not an extreme amount of wattage being used. so maybe some sort of semi-performance alternator? lol

cruiser54

I'd look at getting the upgrade cables from www.kelleyswip.com even if I didn't upgrade the alternator. The stock cables are woefully underengineered.

5-90

Assuming it's for the 1993XJ listed on the left, you have the 90A Nippondenso. You can get a 117A as a direct fit (1999-up Jeep w/I4 or I6,) and the 136A (V8 ZJ/WJ/Dakota/Durango) will fit with some grinding.

However, the question of "do you plan to use it?" does come into play. It's helpful to have a bit more capacity than you need (since running electronics at lower than 100% capacity tends to increase their longevity,) but don't get silly with that, either. If you've got a full load that runs 85-90% of rated output, you'll probably increase the longevity of the rectifier diodes by half or so (the most common failure is usually heat-related in the rectifier diode. Second most common is that the brushes wear down to where they don't make contact with the sliprings anymore.)

Can't do anything about brush wear - you need to maintain pressure behind them to make good contact, so a lighter spring won't work. And, the brush wear is related to friction, not current - so changing load relative to rated capacity doesn't help.

Longevity is all about component selection, and fitting under budget is about striking a balance. There's no reason to hit $300 for an alternator if you don't need the extra capacity...

Atmos

this is very good info. my stock alternator is fine for now. I think I will upgrade in the future with the winch and other junk.
only reason I would upgrade now is because of ease of access (engine is taken apart). thanks guys I'll bookmark this thread for now

91 limited owner

I hate to say this, But why didn't you use the Chrysler 130 amp alternator offered for Cherokees? It is a direct fit. And it's listed as BAFP 130 Amp Alternator on my build sheet. Part of the winter pkg. option. Along with HGDP Deluxe Insulation Group.

Atmos

why DIDN'T I use it? or why DON'T I use it. I havent ordered a replacement but that's a good suggestion. I figure if stock is like 90amps then 130-150 should do it for me.
I'll see if I can buy an OE replacement chrysler 130 at O'reilly or somewhere

Atmos

you also posted that same comment in this thread
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/ch...1/#post1815468
please let me know what year that 130amp if I cant find it first