has anyone upgraded from the stock alternator to the one that comes with the tow package, if so how easy is it or is it even possible?

 

disconnect battery. remove belt from alternator. undo wires from alternator. unbolt alternator. Bolt in new alternator. reconnect wires. reattach belt. reconnect battery.

That's the way a normal alternator job works, I can't imagine it's any different...

 

Nope... no sarcasm here.

 

actually, it is more complicated then that. If you are going with a higher amperage alternater, you should also be replacing the cables that go from the alternator to the battery. The stock cables are only designed to handle x amount of current, and won't handle more that well, so any company that makes upgraded alternators SHOULD (if they are a trustworthy and reliable company) also offer you the upgraded cables. I upgraded my alternator in my 00 F-150 to a 150-amp version from Wrangler NW (www.wranglernw.com) and it came with 2-gauge cables to replace the stock cables.

 

The wiring in your truck is fine. Especially if you are only going to a 150 amp.

I have upgraded almost every car I have ever had with aftermarket alternators. From 150 amp to 200amp. And friends of mine have gone to (2) 200 watt generators for competition systems.

I promise you, 2 guage is WAY overkill for only 150 amp.

Unless you are extending the wire to relocate the battery lets say, stick with the wire you already have. I relocated to the trunk and went with 1/0 power wire. That was on a 200 amp Powermaster alternator.

 

I'd rather overkill it then underkill. Just like when lights call for 20 gauge wires, I'll run 16. Learned my lesson the hard way its better to use too much of something rather then not enough and either not have your full potential, or bigger problems like fried wiring, etc.
But yeah, you are probably ok with stock wiring. I'd just rather make sure its done right or whats the point of upgrading at all.

 

If I understand the original post first, he wants to get a stock alternator from the towing package. Towing package provides a heavy duty alternator. I'd highly doubt ford uses different wiring for towing/non-towing. Same logic that makes them use only one universal wiring harness.

but then again, I've been wrong many many times before...

And actually, I wasn't trying to be sarcastic at all, just trying to simplify things...Looking at it now, I can see how it could be interpreted. Sorry if I offended anybody

 

I didn't realize I got a highout alternator with the tow package...that makes me feel a little better about the amps I put in!