97Ranger3.0
Active Member
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2017
- Messages
- 175
- Reaction score
- 67
- Points
- 28
- Location
- Florida
- Vehicle Year
- 1997
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Type
- 3.0 V6
- Engine Size
- 3.0
- Transmission
- Manual
- 2WD / 4WD
- 4WD
- Total Lift
- 4"
- Tire Size
- 33x12.5
Hey guys, looking for an opinion on what to do.
I've got a 1997 Ford Ranger with the 3.0 which has a 95 amp alternator from the factory. The alternator was already replaced when I bought the truck and seems to do fine. However, I've added a two speed electric fan from a 3.8 Ford Thunderbird being run with a VW temp switch and a Volvo relay as many people do. It works well and I've never had the fan kick on anything but the low speed. My air conditioning does not work currently, but I am planning on fixing it soon. So this is where my dilemma is - when I fix the AC, I plan on wiring the electric fan to run on the high speed setting at all times with the AC being on (other than if I use a manual over ride switch to shut it off if I'm cruising at highway speeds).
So what I'm wondering is, would I be pushing the limits of the 95 amp alternator if I had all of that running at the same time? If so, should I swap to a 130 amp alternator or is there anything else I can do with the 95 amp? Also, if I do need to swap to a 130 amp alternator, do I need to upgrade any of the alternator or battery wiring?
Thank you
I've got a 1997 Ford Ranger with the 3.0 which has a 95 amp alternator from the factory. The alternator was already replaced when I bought the truck and seems to do fine. However, I've added a two speed electric fan from a 3.8 Ford Thunderbird being run with a VW temp switch and a Volvo relay as many people do. It works well and I've never had the fan kick on anything but the low speed. My air conditioning does not work currently, but I am planning on fixing it soon. So this is where my dilemma is - when I fix the AC, I plan on wiring the electric fan to run on the high speed setting at all times with the AC being on (other than if I use a manual over ride switch to shut it off if I'm cruising at highway speeds).
So what I'm wondering is, would I be pushing the limits of the 95 amp alternator if I had all of that running at the same time? If so, should I swap to a 130 amp alternator or is there anything else I can do with the 95 amp? Also, if I do need to swap to a 130 amp alternator, do I need to upgrade any of the alternator or battery wiring?
Thank you