Choosing an alternator

These trucks left the factory with a CS130 or 10SI/12SI alternator producing well under 100 amps in many cases. That was adequate in 1990 and falls a long way short of a modern audio system, a winch, or added lighting.

Mechman builds direct-fit replacements for this platform from 240 amps up to 400 amps, in both left-mount CS130 and standard configurations. Check which mount your truck uses before ordering, since the bracket position differs across the range.

Billet and anodized finishes are popular on OBS builds where the engine bay is part of the presentation. Cast housings suit work trucks and daily drivers.

Choosing a battery

These trucks use side-post terminals and a Group 78 or Group 75 tray. The XS Power battery packages listed here include the correct terminal adapter for a side-post fitment.

AGM is a significant upgrade over the factory flooded battery on a truck of this age, particularly if the charging system has already been upgraded.

Don't skip the wiring

Factory cable on a thirty-year-old truck is both undersized for a high output alternator and likely degraded. Upgrading the three main runs is usually the highest-value change on the whole build. See our Big 3 wiring upgrade guide and Big 3 kits.

Browse all Mechman high output alternators, batteries, or cable and wire.