Mount and plug types

Ford used several alternator mounts and connectors across this period — 6S, 3G, 4G and 6G among them. They are not interchangeable without an adapter, and the wrong one will either not bolt up or not plug in.

We stock adapter harnesses for the common conversions: GM 4-pin to Ford 6G, Ford 4G to 6G, and GM oval to Ford 3G/4G. See plugs and harnesses if your build has already been changed from the factory configuration.

Why these trucks need the capacity

Factory output on a truck of this era was modest even when new, and after twenty or thirty years the original alternator is unlikely to be meeting its rating. Add a winch, a light bar, an inverter or an audio system and the shortfall becomes obvious at idle.

Choosing a battery

Most of these trucks use a Group 65 tray. The XS Power D6500 is a direct-fit AGM replacement with far better deep-cycle tolerance than a standard flooded battery.

Don't skip the wiring

On a truck this age the factory cable is both undersized for a high output alternator and likely corroded at the terminations. Upgrading the three main runs is usually the highest-value change on the whole build. See our Big 3 wiring upgrade guide.

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