Dual Alternators

[Lynden-Jeff]

Hi,

Would an 04 F250 6.0L come with dual alternators? Was that an option? Ive seen a few people mention that they have it, yet I only see one. I havent looked terribly hard so I thought id just ask.

Thanks
Jeff

 

[BamaSixGun]

I do believe it was an option.

 

[bushpilot]

it was an available option in 2004 (rgdillion has 'em).

it doesnt necessarily DOUBLE the available current (amps),
its more or less a BACK up...when required or if the primary
fails....but it is a primary/seconardy set up type thing and
the output is computer "controlled".

the 2nd alternator requires the intercooler tube to be
CRUSHED (by the factory) in order to clear the 2nd alternator

 

[Moe-B]

I have dual alts on mine. Option 63T for $335 (msrp). The upper is rated 140 amps and the lower is rated 120 amps. Typical output is closer to 90/80 amps. The PCM controls alternator selection.

You can see the "crushed" IC tube here (lower alt is hidden):

 

[bushpilot]

A quick check online reveals that you can purchase 200a output
alternators for 299 bucks (and thats the higher priced units i found),
it didnt take much "googling" to find 200a rated units for 199 bucks.

the rating on the EXPENSIVE one is at IDLE (120amps @ 500rpm),
w/ peak output of 250a @ 1800rpm

these are DIRECT REPLACEMENT units...i dont know what the stock
units weight but these are 20+ plus.

if 250a isnt enough there are 400a units available.

 

[FTG-05]

I changed my order to include the dual alternator option but it was too late and didn't make it. In hindsight, I'm glad it happened that way for the reasons that Bushpilot mentioned: it's a lot cheaper and easier to upgrade the one alternator. If you can't do it with 200 amps, it probably isn't gonna happen anyway!

 

[Moe-B]

Definitely cheaper/better to upgrade to a HO single alt if you need more amps. Can't be easier than factory install, though. I didn't order mine, just bought it off the lot.

 

[Mike K]

At what point do you need more amperage? e.g. pulling an rv with additinal lights, having a large power inverter in the cab running stuff, etc.

 

[bushpilot]

1000w of car audio would probably qualify you as needing more
amperage.

Im running almost 1500w (RMS) between 3 audio amps...I can
easily exceed the output of the factory alternator causing drain/draw
on my BATTERIES when i turn things much past 1/2 volume.

and this at 1800/2000rpm (going down the road)

a HO alternator & new batteries WILL be in my future

 

[Mike K]

I completely forgot about car audio... Amps do need a lot of power.