[MadMacks]

I’m looking at an aftermarket HO alternator for my 1991 Cherokee Laredo and see that a company named “QualityPower” claims to make a drop in alternator that come in options from about 130 amps up to about 320 amps. They say “These alternators will be a direct bolt-in and plug-in fit for your factory alternator. The only modification would be to upgrade the output cable from the alternator.”

Does anyone have direct experience with the alternators from this manufacture? These things aren’t cheap so I’d like to get info on quality and compatibility before I spend the money they want ($310-$525). I’m willing to pay for a quality HO alternator but don’t want to buy a crappy replacement…

Their specific like is Chrysler and Jeep High Output Alternators

 

[4.3L XJ]

I have a Chevy engine in my XJ, but this brand is one I have used so far with good results

Amazon.com: LActrical High Output 250 Amp Alternator For JEEP Grand Cherokee 4.0L L6 99 1999 00 2000 01 2001 2002 02 2003 03 2004 04 : Automotive

Buy LActrical High Output 250 Amp Alternator For JEEP Grand Cherokee 4.0L L6 99 1999 00 2000 01 2001 2002 02 2003 03 2004 04: Alternators - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

I have done some hard pulls with the winch with it. You will have to do a little grinding on the bracket to make this one fit since it has a slightly larger frame. Otherwise it will be a bolt in

 

[XJSuperman]

Most of us tend to put a Durango alternator in our jeeps when we want more juice, rather than paying double or more for an aftermarket option. I think the one I used was 160amp? How many amps do you plan on needing really?

You can make your own cable upgrades or buy a full kit from somewhere like ksuspensions or jeepcables.com

 

[MadMacks]

I hoped to get at least 200 amps or more. But I also want to stay with a direct replacement model in terms of the electrical hookups.

 

[wjlizard]

The Durango alternator cost me 75$ at advance online with coupon. Came with lifetime warranty. That took me from 130 to 160 amps

 

[MadMacks]

I've got a 1991 Cherokee Laredo that according to the factory build sheet had an original 130 amp alternator, but at some point was replaced with a 90 amp alternator. If the Durango alternator is a plug and play swap I'd happily go to a 160 amp version (especially at that price point), but I have no idea which Durango alternator would fit my Cherokee. If you have guidance as to which model to get please advise! Long term I'll probable relocate the air box and add a second battery to help with winch operations, so 160 amps with a second battery is probably workable.

 

[wjlizard]

I believe I use a 05 4.7l Durango alt for my WJ. Not sure if this one is what you need . Simple google search should verify.

 

[MadMacks]

I've tried that, unfortunately it's not all that helpful... But I'll keep looking. The older XJs don't seem to be as compatable as the newer models. But thanks for the replies!

 

[XJSuperman]

Oh shoot, I missed the part where yours is an early XJ. Here, read this:

Alternator

My xj desperately needs a higher amperage alternator. What other vehicles alternator would fit my 1990 cherokee?

www.cherokeetalk.com

My XJ is a 2001, so the 2000 durango alt popped right in. Yours is different, so you need to find the alt that @5-90 is talking about in the thread I linked. He knows his stuff.

 

[MadMacks]

JS Alternators has a nice looking one-wire alternator that outputs up to 240 amps and is reasonably priced but I'm not sure if switching from an OEM pigtail connection to a one-wire connection will cause issues with the dash guage or with the PCM. I've email them asking for feedback, but in the mean time, does anyone here have experience changing over to a one-wire alternator?

 

[MadMacks]

I ended up going with the Powermaster 43311 170 amp alternator. Supposedly puts out 100 amps at idle and is a drop in plug compatible alternator…we’ll see. At $360 it isn’t cheap, and there are other solutions for sure, but I really wanted to stay with the stock connectors. I have upgraded the wiring to good quality 2 gauge so that should handle the amps. I’ll post my results after it arrives and I hook it up.

 

[4.3L XJ]

thanks for the feedback. Having a big alternator is a real advantage. Personally, I think all vehicles should have this extra capacity when manufactured

 

[MadMacks]

So I’m not a happy camper…

I spent the afternoon pulling the stock alternator off, which is a PITA, and trying to install the new alternator. It does not fit. Period. And when I contacted the vendor prior to purchasing they assured me it was a direct bolt on alternator. Well…I thought about grinding the mounting bracket (mine has a two part bracket) but even if I’d done that it would have hit the side of the engine block where the bracket bolts on to the block.

In addition, their install instructions and specs say the alternator comes with a smaller than stock pulley so it can run at higher revolutions. They recommend buying a shorter belt (-.5” to 1.0”) to accommodate that. But, wrong again. The pulley is larger than the stock pulley, so I’ll be returning the new belt as well. More wasted time.

The alternator itself looks like a nice unit, good quality, but if it won’t mount it’s useless.

In addition to the mounting problem they’re charging me return shipping, which ticks me off. Wish I could charge them shop time of 3 hours at $125 an hour for my wasted work effort. I DO NOT recommend this manufacture as they directly claimed it would fit my ‘91 Cherokee Larado without issues.

So, still looking for a viable upgrade.

 

[4.3L XJ]

Sorry to hear that. Unfortunately AMC used a small frame on the alternator and that makes it tough

 

[MadMacks]

I just received an email from the seller that stated they are charging a $67.71 restocking fee! I'm absolutely livid and I urge you to never deal with these shysters! AsaPerformance is a vender to avoid!!!

 

[4.3L XJ]

Thanks for the info. No way you can modify the bracket to make it fit?

 

[MadMacks]

The bracket could have been ground to hold the alternator. But, the front of the block would also need grinding to match the mount bracket as the bracket aligns perfectly on the engine block. I did not want to have to grind either. I purchased this particular alternator, which had lower amp output than I was looking for, to avoid grinding and have a direct fit part. If I’m going custom then I’ll look for a higher output alternator. ASA Performance, the seller via Amazon, is a very bad vendor from my perspective. Here is their reply to my email…

“Refund issued in accordance with Amazon Return Policy. We didn't tell you it would fit, Amazon did. And you said you only weren't able to install it because you didn't want to make modifications.”

According to that response I could fit any part to and Cherokee as I could make modifications to make it fit. And they’re hiding behind Amazon by saying “we didn’t tell you it would fit….”. A $67 restock fee for a perfect, unused, won’t fit part is pathetic.

 

[4.3L XJ]

I agree.

 

[XJSuperman]

If they are going to hide behind Amazon, then use Amazon against them. Usually places like ebay or Amazon side with the buyer and will get you taken care of.

 

[MadMacks]

I did. Here’s the email Amazon sent them…

Hello,

We've been contacted by a customer regarding the order identified below.

--------------------
Order#: 113-9080629-XXXXXXXXX
Item: Powermaster 43311 Alternator; Denso w/Internal Fans; 170 Amp; Externally Regulated; OE Only; 100 Idle/135 Cruise/170 Top End; Natural;

Reason: Returns and Refunds

Details: Cx was charged restocking fee. Requests full refund. Please research the issue and contact the customer.

And here’s their reply to Amazon…

Refund issued in accordance with Amazon Return Policy.

and then they sent me this…

Refund issued in accordance with Amazon Return Policy.

It isn't our ad, it's Amazon's

Again, don’t buy anything from these shysters…