Alternator
Alternator
How do I know if I have the 95 amp or 130 amp alternator since I have a 4x2 F-150 with the 4.6L V8 engine? I understand the 4x2's with the V6 came with the 95 amp alternator. The truck is a '98.
im allmost sure you cant tell unless you take it off. it will say on the side of it. butt if you have power windows and a/c. i would bet you have the 135. i dont think i have seen a 95 on anything that had power options. and v-8. good luck. they all seem to have the 135.
In the mid 1980's when I worked in a junk-yard, the alternator ratings were usually stamped somewhere on the housing. For a given vehicle, the castings and labels were identical except for a light hammer stamp showing the amp rating.
I will try to keep this short. Last year I was fighting the great "2000-2001 supercrew tow package undersize radiator" war and tried to find if my alternator was sized as advertised. A cousin who works as a Ford line mechnaic told me that he knows of no method to identify the new Ford truck alternator size by labels or stampings! He says that when they get a bad alternator in, they just guess at the replacement amperage by inspecting the vehicle for upgrades like tow packages, rear defrosters, electric seats/windows etc! I still find this hard to believe, but thought it might help.
If you have the original battery it might give you a clue. Sometimes the larger alternators were paired with a battery of a larger amp/hour rating. Sounds like it is time to make friends with a good Ford parts counterman and ask some questions. Good Luck.
I will try to keep this short. Last year I was fighting the great "2000-2001 supercrew tow package undersize radiator" war and tried to find if my alternator was sized as advertised. A cousin who works as a Ford line mechnaic told me that he knows of no method to identify the new Ford truck alternator size by labels or stampings! He says that when they get a bad alternator in, they just guess at the replacement amperage by inspecting the vehicle for upgrades like tow packages, rear defrosters, electric seats/windows etc! I still find this hard to believe, but thought it might help.
If you have the original battery it might give you a clue. Sometimes the larger alternators were paired with a battery of a larger amp/hour rating. Sounds like it is time to make friends with a good Ford parts counterman and ask some questions. Good Luck.


