I have a 1991 GMC Jimmy with the 4.3 that seems to be doing odd things. Mostly noticeable with cruise control on…when i put the wipers on every time they 'wipe' i can feel the truck bog down and come back. Same thing happens when i turn on Air conditioning. I have a feeling the alternator is going…? The battery level meter on the dash also moves around randomly, between 10 and 14. I would think it should sit still but I could be wrong. Any thoughts?

Also, if I do replace the alternator, is there a difference between the 85 amp and 105 amp models as far as installation and connections? I'm not sure which one is in the truck at the moment. I'll find out tonight. Would it help to add the beefier alternator?

Ryan

 

More amps is always a good thing on these trucks! Sounds like your issue may be a ground problem tho. I would look into cleaning up all the grounds on the truck as well as the "big 3" upgrade. You can find info about that with a quick search. I had similar issues with mine and the big 3 and ground cleaning did wonders for it. I have since upgraded my alt and battery and I have no voltage drop under normal driving conditions.

 

Awesome! I just noticed the Big 3 upgrade while searching around. I'll be doing that for sure. Can I ask where you got your wiring and connectors from? Like would any auto store carry wiring? I also saw the upgrade alternator from a 5.8L full size. Would that fit in the first gen trucks?

Thanks alot for your quick reply by the way.

 

After a bit more searching on some other forums, apparently the AD244 alternator will fit on the first gens. If I find one at a wrecker I'll report back with some pics.

 

I put an ad244 alt on my first gen, best thing i have done. I can have the system turned up (1000w) with the HID's on, with the AC on high, while playing with the windows for the hell of it and it wont drop down on the voltage.

 

Check out knuconceptz for the wiring. A quick google search will find them. Great prices and quality wire. No all wire is not created equal! I bought most of my supplies from eBay.

Edit: here you are. http://www.knukonceptz.com

 

Hey thanks for the link! Ordered the wiring just now. I checked a few places in town and for 0 AWG wiring they wanted $8/ft. Frakin' ridiculous. knukoncepts was $2/ft. I also have a AD244 waiting for me at a wrecker! Yay upgrades!! Guess it's time to put in a sweet stereo….

Hey Rich….what did you do for your system? Have a link and pics somewhere i can check out?

 

no pics really but I have a Hifonics hfi1000.1 and an alpine type r.
I have another amp and some q-form kick panels for some 6.5" components

The only picture I have is this one.
Box is custom built, 2.2cubes tune to 32hz, 26ci port I believe is the size, I dont remember the port size.


You can see the ad244 poking out on the drivers side there