How hard to install an alternator?
 

Hey everyone, I am in need of an alternator & am getting one this weekend.

But what I was wondering is...

How hard is it to remove one & install one?

Also any hints/trucks/methods of getting one off?

Brenton

disconnect the battery...

isnt that hard...loosen belts, get to it...remove bolts, remove harness, get new one reverse process..

The most difficult part is wedging a socket wrench into the gap between the fan and the belt tensioner. Once you become a self-taught contortionist, it's super easy.

autozone will let you use a tool thats GREAT with the serp belts, once you get the belt off its nothing but bolts and wires

yeah its cake.

Like they said, the hardest part is getting a socket driver into the belt tensioner to get it off the alt. pulley. It's a breeze.

On these engines its a 15 mm bolt you have to get onto to release the tensioner. Don't use a socket at all, use a long open end or box wrench -- it's MUCH easier.

3 bolts on the alternator, 2 plug connections, 1 lug connection. Pay attention to the bolt tightening sequence, it's usually on the alternator sheet.

Disconnect the battery FIRST (the negative terminal only) since the lug on the alternator goes direct to the battery through fuse-links you don't want to blow.

Id say with general mechanical skills it shouldnt take more than a half hour.

With no prior knowledge of them me and stepdad put my new in in about 30 minutes. But we didnt loosen the pulley we just took the bolts out and popped it out. Then when put it back on just put the belt on the alternator and put the bolts back in.

you will need 2 migits, 1 hooker, 1 pony, 5 pound sledge, blow torch, 1 hurmit crab and it will go in like butter!!!! :wink:

I don't wanna get crabs from an alternator switch...

Aaroon

it's really easy B...

get the serp belt tool and get one of those guides for you truck and it'll take about an hour if you take your time.

i had to take my intake off and then you must take the bolts out and unhook that harness and put the new one in and go backwards. the bolts were a pain in the arse to get loose because they haven't been loosened in i'm guessing EVER! but it's easy...

Dr. Jusnes helped me with mine...

Ah, that's a good point. You do need to get the intake tube out of the way.

Well I'll be taking out my old one tomorrow sometime & going to get another...

Brenton