OEM 130/150 amp alternator upgrade for the 80.

[Brian894x4]

In case anyone has missed it, check this thread out on mud.

http://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/206807-upgrading-stock-alternator-130-150-amp.html

Basically, someone figured out how to adapt a 130/150 amp Toyota Tundra/Sequoia alternator to the 1FZ fairly easily. All you need is a special bracket, a plug and the alternator.

The reason I'm posting this is that the bracket that is currently for sale by a guy over there will no longer be made, appears to be a high quality piece (adjustable tensioner) and he has limited quantity left.

I purchased the bracket and plug from him for about $86 and I just purchased a used 150 amp 2004 Sequoia alternator with 14,000 miles on it for $100. Both are on their way to me as we speak. I'm just in parts collecting mode and probably won't get around to the project for a while, but I wanted to pass this along, because I think may be the ultimate option when it comes to upgrading the 1FZ alternator.

150 amps is darn impressive and the fact that it comes from an unmodified stock OEM Toyota alternator that is completely bolt in with this bracket, is just icing on the cake, so if you want to do this, you better consider ordering the bracket while its still for sale.

You might want to read up on all the related threads on mud. It took me over an hour, but I did, just so I really understand what I was getting into.

 

[upcruiser]

Interesting. I upgraded my alternator with a Mean Green 140 amp unit and its been awesome and I'd recomend that to anyone as another option too.

 

[MaddBaggins]

Interesting. I upgraded my alternator with a Mean Green 140 amp unit and its been awesome and I'd recomend that to anyone as another option too.

I've read mixed reviews on the Mean Green. Have you checked it? Does it really put out whats it claims? Also, how long have you been running it?

 

[DaveInDenver]

Apparently the new Cruiser has a 200A alternator. OK, sure you could probably buy 5 Tundra alternators for what it will cost, but 200A!

 

[Mlachica]

I think may be the ultimate option when it comes to upgrading the 1FZ alternator.

150 amps is darn impressive and the fact that it comes from an unmodified stock OEM Toyota alternator that is completely bolt in with this bracket, is just icing on the cake, so if you want to do this, you better consider ordering the bracket while its still for sale.

I agree 100% OEM baby!

 

[adventureduo]

Someday when ours dies we'll switch over to a mean green because as far as i know it doesnt need the bracket swap and 140amps will work just fine for us. Please post pics when you get around to attacking it.

 

[Brian894x4]

I'm not sure why Mean Green has a bad rap, but they apparently do. Then again, I know that the internet can propagate false rumors and people repeat what they hear elsewhere regardless of evidence...kind of like this.

To me, an expedition vehicle needs to have ultimate reliability. The alternator is something that we just can't afford to have fail in the middle of nowhere. Kind of like the starter. We could carry a spare and that's probably not a bad idea, but getting to the alternator on the 1FZ for a field repair is not exactly easy.

That's why I want an absolute OEM solution. The next best thing would be an OEM alternator that is upgraded, but you still run the risk of failure, due to the alternator being pushed past its limits and non OEM parts.

So, I can't really imagine a better alternative than a factory Toyota alternator putting out 130-150 amps and pretty much just not having to worry about it.

So far, I'm into this about $180, which is cheaper than a remanufactured alternator from Toyota.

 

[Mlachica]

FWIW, here's a pdf on the install, pictures included

http://photomanfzj80.home.comcast.net/~photomanfzj80/bracketinstallguidelines.pdf

Alternator model numbers:
27060-0F040 for the 130 amp
27060-0F050 for the 150 amp

 

[upcruiser]

I've read mixed reviews on the Mean Green. Have you checked it? Does it really put out whats it claims? Also, how long have you been running it?

I've never tested it to see what exactly its putting out, but just going by the difference that my amp meter on my dash was showing, it was a big jump. Before my meter always was showing towards the bottom of the gauge and had a pretty big fluctuation from idle to what it read while underway. The Mean Green seems to have less fluctuation and reads considerably higher at idle then the OEM unit did. Also at idle with all my accessories on I have strong/bright lights which at idle before seemed to dim a bit. I installed my Mean Green over 4 years ago and have had no issues. It was simply a bolt on as it was FJ80 specific.

I've heard claims of issues since as well but never specifically what they are, can you share?

 

[Brian894x4]

With my pick up I did a few different things. I first used duel alternators, using a Delco style case upgraded to 150 amps for the 2nd alternator. Since I could run off of either alternator, I wasn't super concerned about over reliability. That system worked awesome, but was a bit complicated. In the end, the case of the 2nd alternator, actually split in two from the vibration and that was that. Instead of replacing it, I installed AC, which I wanted more. (I was using the AC location and pully to power the 2nd alternator.

I then went to Wrangler's NW and had them build me a super high quality aftermarket Nippo-Denso custom alternator using an oversized Toyota case that was mostly bolt in, except for needing their special bracket. This thing made 150-170 reliable amps, worked awesome and was nearly bolt in, but was extremely expensive. Almost $600 if I recall correctly. That's probably the route I would have gone again this time, if they make one for the 1FZ.

But this option is many times cheaper and probably more reliable than that option, so I snapped up a bracket as quick as I could and purchased the lowest mileage 150 amp alternator I could find for around $100 and called it good.

I'm not desperate for the extra ampage, but I couldn't pass on this beautiful bracket since no more will be made. Here's a picture of it:

 

[MaddBaggins]

I've never tested it to see what exactly its putting out, but just going by the difference that my amp meter on my dash was showing, it was a big jump. Before my meter always was showing towards the bottom of the gauge and had a pretty big fluctuation from idle to what it read while underway. The Mean Green seems to have less fluctuation and reads considerably higher at idle then the OEM unit did. Also at idle with all my accessories on I have strong/bright lights which at idle before seemed to dim a bit. I installed my Mean Green over 4 years ago and have had no issues. It was simply a bolt on as it was FJ80 specific.

I've heard claims of issues since as well but never specifically what they are, can you share?

I've read stuff on MUD about them not putting out anywhere near the claimed amperage and the reliability being suspect. Thats all I've heard. I hadn't heard of enough people trying them to really draw any conclusions.
But you've been running yours for 4 years, so I guess it's fairly reliable. I was curious if you ever had the amperage tested to see if it's really 140.

I'm going the OEM 130amp route myself. I have the bracket and alt on their way. I scored a 2006 Tundra alt with under 50k miles for $100. I'm putting in a new radiator next week, so while that stuff is outta the way, I'll do the alt as well.

Thanks for the response. It's good to hear something positive about the Mean Green.

 

[Desertdude]

Thanks for posting Brian - the Alt is really a weak spot after I've added a second batt and 1800 watt inverter eepwall:

 

[MaddBaggins]

I'll be swapping in a 130amp alt next weekend while I'm changing out my radiator. I'll let you know how it works out.