Hello. I have a 92' Ford Ranger XLT with 2.9 V6. I am replacing my alternator. I don't know if I currently have a 60 amp or 75 amp alternator. Can I tell from the diameter of the alternator pulley? The local parts store sells a brand new alternator. But it is only 75 amp. The parts store guy says it is compatible with my make/model. Is it ok to use? I heard that you sometimes have to use heavier gauge wire for higher amp alternators.

 

It's always a good idea to check the condition of your power and ground wires, but you can throw in the 75 amp alternator regardless of what you have now.

 

Thanks Caleb. The only brand new alternator I could find locally is made by Ultima. Is this brand ok?

 

1990's 2.9l usually had 65amp, so 75 amp would be better

New ultima would be OK, remanufactured no

 

Ok. Good to hear since 75 amp is what I want. I'm waiting to see if parts store can find me a brand new Motorcraft one which isn't likely. I'll report back if I have another question or when I complete task. Thanks

 

I have everything I need now: new alternator with voltage regulator. crimping pliers, connectors, shrink tubing, and pigtail wire connector. I included photo below. The pigtail has those little silver metal barrels already crimped on the wire ends.

What do I do with those? Are those meant for soldering? I don't want to get into soldering. Those silver barrels are not color coded for crimping either. Do I cut off those barrels and insulation, and then work with bare wire to crimp myself?

 

No, they are meant for a female plug-in on the other wire

I would cut/strip and use your own crimp

Tape it or heat shrink it after crimping, to keep water and air out

 

I looked at the other ends of the old pigtail connector wires (opposite alternator). I removed some of the old tape. I can see the three plug in ends have been soldered in addition to the plug-in part. I'd rather not mess with those. And I don't have soldering experience.

So you're saying cut off the silver plug in things on the new pigtail? Then I strip/crimp the wire ends of the new pigtail connector? Then I crimp/connect the new pigtail to the old wiring while leaving the old soldered portions in place behind all of this?

(By the way, the voltage regulator wiring and connector is ok to be re-used)

 

Now sure what connector you are talking about now?

But no, you don't want to splice wires leaving other splices, cut out old splices and redo with just one new splice.

Soldering is best but crimp is fine as well

 

I installed the new alternator and plugged the old wire connector back into the alternator temporarily. I can still attach the new wire connector pigtail with the new alternator bolted in. Charging battery now. Maybe this photo will simplify things. This is the old wire end of the old pigtail connector still attached. It looks like the mechanic soldered over a crimped terminal.

So I guess I can crimp and/or solder new pigtail to same area in photo like mechanic did? If I solder what solder gun and supplies do you recommend? Never done it before.

 

Forgot to follow up. Got this completed along time ago. Learned to solder. Thanks again.