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Upgraded 2000 Xj alternator?
Posted: February 9th, 2009, 6:08 pm
by SilverXJ
I'm trying to find a stock swap in higher output alternator for my 2000 XJ. Now it had the plug on the back, which I don't want to cut up. I purchased a 136 Amp from a late model liberty and it didn't fit due to the mount ears. I don't want to go with the 98 ZJ one for two rasons.. 1) too old for a JY find and 2) I would have to cut my wiring harness off. Has anyone found a late model alt that would fit (with some grinding if necessary)??
-Chris
Re: Upgraded 2000 Xj alternator?
Posted: February 11th, 2009, 9:15 am
by seanyb505
I think Durangos used a similarly fitting model. Might be too old though, unless you find one that just got to the junkyard.
Re: Upgraded 2000 Xj alternator?
Posted: February 11th, 2009, 5:27 pm
by Jeep4xb4u
I know this is no "OEM Swap" but I believe Power Master makes a direct swap 170amp alternator for your year. Although they tend to be pricey, i for one think they are well worth it. I have one my self that is sitting on my stroker waiting to run. I believe mine is rated a 170 at well at above idle. And puts out just below 90 amps @ idol. My figures are rough but you get the point. It was the idol amps that i was mainly concerned about do to my dual electric fans and a stupid stereo. At the time i was having a very difficult time finding anybody who would give me those types of specs except Power Master, that for me made the sale.
My uncle has had great success with there equipment as well in his big block ramcharger. They also make a starter i wish i can afford.

Re: Upgraded 2000 Xj alternator?
Posted: February 13th, 2009, 3:26 pm
by SilverXJ
Got one. Its from a 99-2000 Dodge Dakota I believe. 136 Amp, some grinding of the block and mount required.
Re: Upgraded 2000 Xj alternator?
Posted: February 13th, 2009, 6:02 pm
by Gearhead88
You may be able to upgrade the one you have.
I had one done a couple of years ago for $75 . If I remember correctly , a larger stator , some brushes and bearings was all that was used to get it up to 160 amps . A friend did it for me , he worked for a company that overhauled starters and alternators at the time. I believe he cleaned up and used the same chassis / housing and hotrodded the internals. Later on I added a smaller pulley to increase the low speed output. It was well worth the $75 to have a badass alternator built out of an existing unit.
Re: Upgraded 2000 Xj alternator?
Posted: February 13th, 2009, 6:06 pm
by SilverXJ
He said he could do a custom alt for $160 with 160 amps. I don't need 160 amps, plus i like the idea of replacing it with an easy to find unit if it does fail.
Re: Upgraded 2000 Xj alternator?
Posted: February 20th, 2009, 9:25 am
by Heck
You don't think you need 160 amps now, but it's a jeep, and we all know how that goes. One mod later and you'll wish you had 300 amps.
Re: Upgraded 2000 Xj alternator?
Posted: February 20th, 2009, 10:52 am
by Muad'Dib
Dont forget, when you go above 140 amps, the amount of actual amp output at idle is nowhere near the rated output. The output at idle will drop as the rated output goes up.
Re: Upgraded 2000 Xj alternator?
Posted: February 20th, 2009, 6:43 pm
by SilverXJ
I don't think I will need more that 136 amps. I don't have that much drawing. I have 90/100 watt headlamps, 100 watt aux lights, 50 watt rear lights, a small sub in the trunk (Inifnity basslink), a CB, Pioneer head unit, Apexi SAFC II, wideband, GPS, radar detector, and air pumps that are occasionally used. I intend to eventually install a carputer and a small 4 way amp, but nothing much more than that. I won't be running a winch and I won't have a huge stereo. I just wanted a bump above stock as I have noticed at idle that my lights do dim. I also upgraded the wiring to 2 gauge marine cable.
-Chris