fast cheap path from Leece Neville to other alternator?

[pybyr]

thanks, as always, for all the support here.

Long story short, I'm completely tired of chasing weird intermittents in my 165 amp Leece Neville alternator that came on this truck due to its initial build as a firetruck. Everything that matters has been replaced and/ or triple-checked but the bottom line is it is still flaky.

I have read the "3G swap" articles-- and when UHaul was doing their big closeout on IDI parts, I'd picked up a "standard" IDI alternator upper bracket so as to be able to use another alternator if I ever wanted to, but can't tell whether the 2 groove Vee belt pulley off of the Leece would be a proper fit for a 3 G or any other compatible alternator.

I don't need massive output- I just need affordable reliability without chasing all sorts of odds and ends or spending scarce free time adapting.

I live in a really rural area with about only one decent junkyard within an hour's drive that'll let you wander choose and pull your own parts...

So I would hugely welcome any suggestions for a "cookbook" of "alternators from what series (year, model, engine)" would either be a direct drop in or which other years to scavenge the right 2 groove pulley to go with a 3G

Thanks!

 

[Optikalillushun]

the 3G u want its the large case (3 holes on the front of the case) with the 8.25" distance from mounting ear to mounting ear. They came on a lot of Taurus and Windstars with the 3.8, it has to be the 3.8. The small case (2 holes on the front of the case) would have came on 94+ F-trucks with the 300 I6. Also grab the plug and about 6" of the harness. Its a real easy swap. Besides that u'll needs two new charge cables and a mega-fuse holder with a 175A fuse. One cable from the alt to the fuse holder and fuse holder to solenoid. the alt stud is 1/4" and the rest are 5/16" if ur getting cable lugs. i suggest no less than 4 awg wire, perferably 2 awg. I had no issues getting a replacement from any parts house when i was looking either.

as for ur pulley, can ya get a diameter and i can measure mine and see how they compare?

 

[riotwarrior]

I am not sure but I know I have the correct bracket for you and two groove pully on the truck outside. I have an 89 but it is not a 3 G it's easy to swap one in. The pulley should swap over easy!

 

[bghnkinf350]

Here is a write up for a 3G install with an internal regulator:

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/882243-3g-alternator-install-with-pictures.html

I coincidentally know the guy who wrote it!

That is for an internally regulated one on a 351. With that said, I took that one off that truck and transferred it to my Diesel, which is externally regulated, by plugging the light green and red wire to the one on the factory harness. The pulley bolted on the exact same way as the one in the link too.

 

[rhkcommander]

I got a tested good alt at the junkyard. A 130A 3G for around 30$. Bought a new power cable and circuit breaker and for 50$ it's worked perfect since. I had to swap pulleys, it was a serp so I impacted the old one off & on to the 3G

 

[typ4]

Your leece pully will not work, the shaft is too big, any diesel 2 groove off a 1g will work on the 3g.