Dakota Durango Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

Dual Alternators?

Jump to Latest
41 - 60 of 70 Posts
#41 ·
I would look at going low with it if I were you. maybe delete the belt tensioner, and mount it down there somewhere, with it mounted on a slotted bracket, then you'd just pull it tight, then snug down the bolts so it won't slip loose again.
 
#42 ·
or maybe eliminate your stock air box, and rig up something that puts it way out there to the side, kinda like some of the supercharger kits that are out there, with the supercharger hanging way out over the inner fender and a mile long belt to drive it.

or, maybe even do a "dual belt" set up, add a pulley infront of the current Alternator, and mount that one off to the side, lined up with the additional pulley, and use 2 belts.
 
#43 ·
70Cuda383 said:
First off, will it fit there? as in, if you put it on top of and inbetween the Alt and A/C, will you still be able to close your hood? me thinks no.
Click to expand...
You are right, the hood will not close, it is to high, but only by a few inches. That is an easy fix though, simply customize the hood to give me extra height in that one area. Here is a pic

Image


70Cuda383 said:
I would look at going low with it if I were you. maybe delete the belt tensioner, and mount it down there somewhere, with it mounted on a slotted bracket, then you'd just pull it tight, then snug down the bolts so it won't slip loose again.
Click to expand...
I know this sounds dumb, but i do not want to mod the engine in anyway, that I cant make it stock again. I am also scared of things like this. I can honestly say that I am fairly new at this type of stuff, and putting it there seems impossible or very difficult. By mounting it at the top, I can use the main bolts from the original alternator and from the compressor, which are fairly solid. The pulley system I would have to make is the only design hurdle I am having trouble with. I am not sure how to attack the situation. Should I make it come off the arm that holds the second alt, or build a whole new arm that is bolted some place else?

70Cuda383 said:
or maybe eliminate your stock air box, and rig up something that puts it way out there to the side, kinda like some of the supercharger kits that are out there, with the supercharger hanging way out over the inner fender and a mile long belt to drive it.

or, maybe even do a "dual belt" set up, add a pulley infront of the current Alternator, and mount that one off to the side, lined up with the additional pulley, and use 2 belts.
Click to expand...
I was thinking of that very idea. I do plan to eliminate the air box and install a cold air intake. The second alt in the current position hits the air box. I looked into placing it like the super charger, but the alt is much fatter, so it hits to much stuff. I would have to modify the hood even more. The area I have it in is the lowest possible.

Now the extra pulley idea on the first alt is actually something I was really thinking about. Problem is I do not know enough about alternators. How would I extend the rod on the alternator to accommodate the second pulley? Another issue is that d@mn clutch fan. It actually does have clearance to add the second pulley, but say the engine were to shake, or shift, the pulley would hit the fan, thats how close they are to each other. I have been considering removing the clutch fan for a really long time, but the FL heat has scared me away from doing that. What do you think? Will removing the fan be an issue, if not, then this pretty much makes the install very easy. All I would have to find is a small belt, which is the only big issue I see. It may be easier to do as I drew, because in the future I wouldn't have to go crazy trying to find a belt. Do they make small 6 ribbed belts?
 
#44 ·
to put the alt where you want to you would also have to add another pulley- not two pulleys on the alt but another one someplace else to keep the rotation the same- The rotation idea above looks great except it isn't practicle because it would be flowing water in reverese on the water pump.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#45 ·
1LOUDRT said:
to put the alt where you want to you would also have to add another pulley- not two pulleys on the alt but another one someplace else to keep the rotation the same- The rotation idea above looks great except it isn't practicle because it would be flowing water in reverese on the water pump.
Click to expand...
You lost me, the rotation would be the same. I am not changing the rotation at all. The 2 extra pulleys are specifically only to put force so that the belt has a good grip on the alternator pulleys. I have looked at the pulleys that are on GM designed brackets and they do the same thing. The only difference is that there is more inbetween the alternator and the water pump pully. Here is the original picture, then mine. I am not a pro at this stuff, so am I missing something that would change the rotation?

Image

Image
 
#46 · (Edited)
Over complicating things!

I think maybe I am over complicating things. Because I am keeping everything on the engine, it makes adding another accessory impossible if I want to use the single serpentine belt. Also construction would be an issue. Here is a revived drawing using 70Cuda383's idea. It will be the easiest. I went to autozone to shop for a short 6 ribbed belt. The shortest they had was still alitttle long, so I had to add the pulley to the design. I would have to have the clutch fan modified or taken out.

Image
 
#47 ·
get an old school alt that uses a v belt.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#50 ·
Bos-R/T said:
On a v belt you dont have to be exact as to lining up.You have to be exact with a serpentine belt. I think thats what hes talking about.
Click to expand...
AHHHHHHHHH, I see what you saying. Well its a very small serpentine belt, infact I dont think it is a serpentine belt. It says its a V-Belt, unless you guys are talking about the thin skinny belts.

Tomorrow I have to go to Autozone and hope they borrow me a wrench. I tried to use a pipe wrench to get the clutch fan out, but its too fat and hard to line up...... Already got the 180 thermostat.
 
#51 ·
HiJackZX1 said:
AHHHHHHHHH, I see what you saying. Well its a very small serpentine belt, infact I dont think it is a serpentine belt. It says its a V-Belt, unless you guys are talking about the thin skinny belts.

Tomorrow I have to go to Autozone and hope they borrow me a wrench. I tried to use a pipe wrench to get the clutch fan out, but its too fat and hard to line up...... Already got the 180 thermostat.
Click to expand...
The best way to get those stupid clutch fan bolts off is to use an air chisel.If you dont have access to one then a chain wrench.If you dont have a chain wrench then some BIG ass channel locks to grip the water pump pulley but you will have to get a rag or something so you dont scar the pulley.I use an air chisel with a good punch on the end.A couple of pulls on the trigger on the nut and it comes right off.
 
#52 ·
Bos-R/T said:
The best way to get those stupid clutch fan bolts off is to use an air chisel.If you dont have access to one then a chain wrench.If you dont have a chain wrench then some BIG ass channel locks to grip the water pump pulley but you will have to get a rag or something so you dont scar the pulley.I use an air chisel with a good punch on the end.A couple of pulls on the trigger on the nut and it comes right off.
Click to expand...
I think there is a special tool I can rent. I may just do that. If not I'll try the chain wrench.
 
#53 ·
I couldnt find the tool, so I bought a wrench to get to the bolt. I can get that bolt off for the f*#king world. I stuck bolts into the little holes to keep the pulley from turning, but the bolt isnt loosing and the rods I put in are all bending. Is there a normal tool I can use, lol.... thats easy for me to get access to?

Wonder how much a automechanic will charge to get it off?
 
#54 ·
I tried to take the clutch fan out by using screw drivers in the holes. This of course failed badly. I then decided to go to home depot, by the rod that Turbo287 used. Drilled holes, added bolts and that was that. The clutch bolt was really jammed on there. I had use all of my body weight to turn it. Then after that I had to really use strength to get it off.

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image


I live in Miami FL, so I thought it would be in my best intrestest to change the thermostat to a 180. I did so and the car actually runs cooler then when I had the clutch fan and 195 thermostat in. Before the temp was alittle less then half from the middle. Now though it sits closer to the white line near the cold side. I will change the fan in future, but for now it doesnt seem to be needed.

I ordered a alternator pulley that I am going to have welded to the stock alternator pulley. I am now waiting for a tensioner pulley and then I will take everything to a metal shop to have the alternator bracket made.
 
#56 ·
hotrodbob38 said:
instead of dual alternaters, how about 1 higher output alt and a few batteries with isolator switches?
Click to expand...
The problem is, the alternators for the 4.7L arent that powerful. The highest is 160 amps. I need more then that. Plus I want something that will not require taking up any space. I will have to add a second battery, but that will still go in the engine bay. The only hard part of the dual route is making a bracket to fit along with the 1st alternator and A/C compressor. I think once that is done, this will be a good upgrade. I have already lost about a quarter of space in the back because of the amps and computers, but if I had to add batteries, I would loose alot more of it.
 
#57 ·
if you want to run 2 alt... why no get a pully from Paxton that runs directly off the crank? Then get a 200amp or whatever size alternator yo want to run by itself.
 
#60 ·
Well loudrango....

I have seen you quite a few times ;)

I am RE_XXX on CA.com and CACO and ROE and SMD ect.....

I am actually in the same spot on a second alt for my 1999 Durango 5.9

I will be running a Sound Digital SD16K @ 18 volts daily, so a second alternator is a good idea for me. I have been pondering this idea for a while, and have come up with nothing as far as somebody already doing it....so I think it is safe to say that we are the pioneers of this idea.

Me and a few metal work buddies are gonna fabricate a bracket of some sort and figure it all out....so pray for us LOL...

As far as what I have right now, it is just a Excessive Amperage 250 Amp Alt, externally regulated.

AND I WILL NEVER BUY FROM EA AGAIN!!!! My alt tested out @ 160 amps @ 5000 rpm! and no output below 1300 rpm!!! What a joke
 
41 - 60 of 70 Posts
About this Discussion
69 Replies
29 Participants
Last post:
Lawrencekeamo
Dakota Durango Forum
posts
1.4M
members
58K
Since
2003
A forum community dedicated to all Dodge Dakota and Durango owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about modifications, troubleshooting, towing capacity, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Photos & Videos General Automotive Discussion Troubleshooter's Forum 4.7L/4.7L HO/4.7L Gen II Engines Suspensions - Lifted & Lowered