My name is Lance and I am new to the Dodge family(maybe). I MAY be picking up a 1975 Dodge clubcab and dodge motorhome this evening as a trade for my 1975 Chevy Shortbed Stepside.
My question is, the charging system....
Has anyone ever put a CS130 GM alternator or the 3G FORD alternator on their trucks to clean up the wiring?
I have done them on both Ford and Chevy/GMC but never on a MOPAR. I do make my own headlight relay wiring harnesses,so I am not new to that. Thanks for any advice/info,and I look forward to talking with all of you.
-Lance
fins2fuselage
10-01-2008, 11:11 PM
Lance,
I am not sure what you have in mind when you say " . . . clean up the wiring." I am unaware of any complaints about the Chrysler alternators or their electronic voltage regulators, if that is the issue to which you refer.
HOWEVER, the BIG problem with these trucks (and most other Mopars) is the under-engineering of the hot wire circuit, particularly in the area of the bulkhead connector, the ammeter and the failure of the fusible link to perform its intended job. Please see the posts on the " 'Convert' Seeks Volt Meter Conversion", the links supplied thereupon and other threads about electrical systems as a tutorial on these issues. Megunticook is going to post a schematic of how to wire-in headlamp relays, and Bherder has published actual photos of his headlight relay project on the "Convert" thread if that will help.
And if you can figure out how solve the problem of supplanting the troublesome in-dash ammeter with a voltmeter which will fit in the stock location for under $150, please let me know -- soon!
In the meantime, welcome to the fraternity. You have come to the right place -- the boys on this forum are the "Dodge truck survival resource"!
Jeff
manimal
10-14-2008, 06:18 PM
Thank You Jeff.
What I was talking about is removing the external voltage regulator and alternator all together. And replace them with...uhhum..uh..a GM internally regualted CS130 alternator from a mid '90s Cadillac. We're talking 120-140amps with ONE wire to excite the alternator and the 4g charge wire to the battery,with a 150a breaker inlline.
And as far as the headlight relays..SIMPLE stuff. Been doing them for years.
-Lance
fins2fuselage
10-14-2008, 10:47 PM
Thank You Jeff.
What I was talking about is removing the external voltage regulator and alternator all together. And replace them with...uhhum..uh..a GM internally regualted CS130 alternator from a mid '90s Cadillac. We're talking 120-140amps with ONE wire to excite the alternator and the 4g charge wire to the battery,with a 150a breaker inlline.
And as far as the headlight relays..SIMPLE stuff. Been doing them for years.
-Lance
Lance,
GM parts on a Mopar -- YUK! :YUK:
Good Lord, what are you going to be running that requires a 150A breaker?!? The biggest breaker I have ever had to install on any Mopar is 50A job in the hot wire. Words to live by: NEVER trust the Mopar "fusible link" to get the job done!
Jeff Dreibus
manimal
10-14-2008, 11:15 PM
Sorry, I know all about the feeling of cross breeding. Does Chrysler have an internal regulated alternator?I just like to keep things simple and clean.
As for 'WHY' I use that many amps, I often jump start semi trucks. AND I dont want to overload the electrical system.
-Lance
fins2fuselage
10-15-2008, 09:27 AM
Sorry, I know all about the feeling of cross breeding. Does Chrysler have an internal regulated alternator?I just like to keep things simple and clean.
As for 'WHY' I use that many amps, I often jump start semi trucks. AND I dont want to overload the electrical system.
-Lance
Lance,
I'm really not sure about the internal reg. If so, it would have to be from a much newer Mopar. Try asking over on the DodgeTalk later-model Ram board; perhaps those guys can give you some inspiration.
If so, please let us know how the conversion turns out!
