What kind of alternator should I go with?

brkncly · Jan 8, 2014

I guess my alternator is going bad . Need advice on which brand, OEM vs. aftermarket, should I upgrade to a high output one, new vs. re-manufactured one and where to buy one. It's an 2008 6.4 F-350. Thanks!

08SUPERKING · Jan 9, 2014

I been putting an eye on this but do not know if they are better...
https://www.dcpowerinc.com/high-out...ine=6.4L+V8+Powerstroke+Diesel+Top+Alternator

LovinPSDs · Jan 9, 2014

Additional question... Is the wiring and such factory in the truck sufficient to handle a big high output alternator or should some of the wiring be upgraded?

blk350on20s · Jan 9, 2014

I went with these guys. Great customer service and a good price.
http://www.qualitypowerauto.com/catalog.php?category=5

buck russell · Jan 9, 2014

http://www.mechman.com/

best alternators on the market as far as an upgrade is concerned. Everything they sell is built in the States to your spec.

Jeremyleggett07 · Jan 9, 2014

DC power engineering...I have a TAD 190

LovinPSDs · Jan 9, 2014

buck russell said:
http://www.mechman.com/

best alternators on the market as far as an upgrade is concerned. Everything they sell is built in the States to your spec.

that thing puts out some serious power!! 370 amps... damn!

skobiak · Jan 9, 2014

What is the stock output for comparison?

08BIGRIG · Jan 9, 2014

200 AMPS

00Rich · Jan 9, 2014

Dc power

LovinPSDs · Jan 10, 2014

Bump for the wiring question.... Do you need to upgrade the stock wiring for a HO alternator?? 370amps if quite a bit

B585Ford · Jan 10, 2014

LovinPSDs said:
Bump for the wiring question.... Do you need to upgrade the stock wiring for a HO alternator?? 370amps if quite a bit

I have been waitin to hear the answer on that one too.

08BIGRIG · Jan 10, 2014

370 Amps is WAY over kill!! Don't spend extra money that you don't have to. The trucks come stock with a 200A alternator and if you run certin duel fueler kits, you have to run a 130A alternator. I have ran the smaller alternator for a good bit now and have 0 issues with charging. I use all my options everyday as well and never any issues. A/C, power everything, heated seats, etc. The 6.4l has the largest alternator that comes on a Powerstroke and is oversized by a good bit to help people that run snow plows. I just don't think that its worth putting any extra money into something that does nothing and is total overkill. Also you are putting a little more load on the motor with the larger alternator as well. Just food for thought I guess, but to each their own.

LovinPSDs · Jan 10, 2014

Quick one... Your saying we have to go down in alternator size if we wanna run dual fuelers?

Also I was thinking big because the expeditioning thread got me wanting to take my truck "remote camping" if you will. A big alt will allow for a secondary battery system to charge up really quickly.

08BIGRIG · Jan 10, 2014

LovinPSDs said:
Quick one... Your saying we have to go down in alternator size if we wanna run dual fuelers?

Also I was thinking big because the expeditioning thread got me wanting to take my truck "remote camping" if you will. A big alt will allow for a secondary battery system to charge up really quickly.

Only on certin duel fuelers you have to do that. There are some out there that you don't have to go smaller. Elite's and Midwest diesel are two kits that you don't have to go smaller with.

skobiak · Jan 11, 2014

I thought high output alternators were more for guys running powerful aftermarket stereos and lots of electronics in their vehicles.

08BIGRIG · Jan 11, 2014

This is off all data. Most 6.4L trucks only come with a 135amp alternator. I stand corrected.

Your Vehicle: 2008 Ford Truck F 250 4WD Super Duty V8-6.4L DSL Turbo

Vehicle » Starting and Charging » Charging System » Alternator » Description and Operation » Charging System - General Information

Charging System - General Information

GENERATOR

The single generator system consists of the generator mounted on the bottom right of the engine (diesel) or top center of the engine (gas). The gas engines use a 3G 115-amp generator with a 2.71:1 pulley ratio. The 6.4L diesel engine uses a SC1 135-amp generator with a 2.79:1 pulley ratio.

The dual generator package consists of an upper/lower dual generator system. The 6.4L upper generator is a 4G 120-amp generator with a 3.00:1 pulley ratio. The 6.4L lower generator is a SC5 200-amp generator with a 2.79:1 pulley ratio. The upper and lower generators are not interchangeable.

A option is available (6.4L diesel only) that includes a SC5 200-amp generator with a 2.79:1 pulley ratio. The SC1 and the SC5 are similar in appearance and use the same connectors, making them interchangeable. Identification between the different generators can be carried out by referring to the generator engineering number, 2 letter code on the label and the parts catalog.