Help selecting a reputable alternator for high output purpose

[Taz]

Hey folks, I've spent the better part of the last year updating things on my '98 tj 2.5l.

List of changes and upgrades for reference:

ArB twin air compressor
0/0 guage BIG 3 wiring
new exhaust manifold, cat, muffler and O2 sensors
New front end -OEM nothing fancy, i figure they work well enough stock and i always figured i could probably drive AROUND the boulder
12k winch (i know, but there's always the option of anchoring the truck)
pretty much every sensor in the engine compartment. TPS, MAF, Oil pressure sensor, power steering sensor, IAC.
New grille, new front fender, new bumper front and rear 15 gallons of extra liquid mounts, pioneer gear, etc. Hopefully at this point the theme is apparent.

I want a high output alternator because I'm trying to buy time when I use power tools, I know it wont catch up to use with the winch, I know I need and intend to install a secondary battery if extended electrical draws are going to be a use case, and i know no matter what size alternator i throw on i'll still drain a battery - keyword here is time, how long can i run the tools i might need for extended periods whilst the jeep is idleing.

The going rate of amps seems to be around 200 for the high end, vetted alternators like Mean Green. I do not mind spending the money on the alternator if it works, but i was hoping for something around 250 AMPs that isnt a re-manufactured bit of snake oil, so i'm hoping some folks have a few suggestions on brands that actually work, and put out the amps that they say they do that come up with a little more amperage than the mean green's advertised 200.

rest assured I intend to put the money into a quality battery for this setup which i am sure is more important than the alternator, but the charge rate over time makes a pretty big difference when you're talking about running a 3000 watt inverter at 50% duty cycle.

 

[LONGJP2]

https://premierpowerwelder.com/shop...1-96-xj-91-01-high-output-welding-alternator/

 

[bucky]

Not a TY but I upgraded my 89 YJ to a 170 amp alternator from Summit 15+ years ago after I loaded up on KC lights. I also upgraded all the pertinent wiring such as welding wire cables and the wire to the added fuse block. In my case when I’m drawing a lot of amps or after the YJ has not been used for a while at start up I get belt squeak. I do not know if this is an issue for others but I’ve changed the belt several times over the years but it still persists. I carry a can of belt dressing and this solves the issue for the rest of my outing.
A duel battery setup might be a consideration also.

 

[Taz]

Thanks guys! The welding alternator looks pretty handy, has anyone used it first hand?

 

[NskLJ]

With a high output alternators the charging voltage/amperage usually comes in at a higher rpm then a stock alternator so if you are using power tools and idling that will still be an issue. I would suggest to start add a idle up soLenoid or cable to bring the rpm up. Hand throttle may work or look at tow truck or pto accessories.

 

[toximus]

Why not use the money to purchase a couple of battery powered tools?

 

[Taz]

Why not use the money to purchase a couple of battery powered tools?

That's a fair question, I'm trying to limit points of failure, Obviously i'm not going to be able to build a house from this rig foundation and all, but the ability to charge electronics, run tools, etc at will without much worry is the goal. Preferably hard wired in. In short, i want to be able to run anything i want within reason as long as i have access to gasoline.

 

[toximus]

because then i can charge my battery powered tools in the jeep if i have to.

Depending on which alt you currently have, you most likely can do that as it currently is.

 

[toximus]

That's a fair question, I'm trying to limit points of failure, Obviously i'm not going to be able to build a house from this rig foundation and all, but the ability to charge electronics, run tools, etc at will without much worry is the goal. Preferably hard wired in. In short, i want to be able to run anything i want within reason as long as i have access to gasoline.

A small Harbor Freight generator will be a better match I think. It'll sip gas and won't put hours on your Jeep engine just idling.

 

[Taz]

A small Harbor Freight generator will be a better match I think. It'll sip gas and won't put hours on your Jeep engine just idling.

Agreed, its not the most efficient setup, but real estate is prime, and i want this to be a self contained vehicle, im not sure where i would stuff a genny, I have a few mods that are bolted to the outside of the body already or real estate is already spoken for. And 8 gallon compressor tank is going on the front driver quarter panel to be able to run impact tools shortly, i could conceivably still throw a mount on the right and have an on-board ish generator, but then for maintenance i'm looking at mounting and dismounting it every time it needs used.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Why not use the money to purchase a couple of battery powered tools?

That's exactly (!) what I'd do. Running an inverter to provide 110vac for power tools for irregular use is nothing I'd even consider doing. Beginning Jeepers tend to go overboard on things like dual batteries, high-amperage alternators, etc. that are rarely if ever truly needed. Not to mention today's 20v battery powered tools are amazing and better in many ways than most 110v tools are.

 

[Taz]

Okay i appreciate taking the time to respond, but i came here to ask people if they've put higher amperage alternators in their tj's what they are running and whether or not they last.

I really wasnt looking for the debate on the merrits of what a more efficient system is. The technology exists and every tool has a purpose. That always means there is an understood trade off whether you're sacrificing wear and tear on the vehicle, gasoline, or time and money.

If a person were to ask me which brand of heated seats they wanted I wouldnt respond by telling them to purchase hand warmers and sit on them.

 

[toximus]

Okay i appreciate taking the time to respond, but i came here to ask people if they've put higher amperage alternators in their tj's what they are running and whether or not they last.

Mechman. Larger alts also don't output until they get to higher RPMs.

I really wasnt looking for the debate on the merrits of what a more efficient system is. The technology exists and every tool has a purpose. That always means there is an understood trade off whether you're sacrificing wear and tear on the vehicle, gasoline, or time and money.

The issue is that you're not just sacrificing wear and tear. You're sacrificing money for a bunch of mediocre solutions that, if I were to do it, would leave me very unhappy with the result.

If a person were to ask me which brand of heated seats they wanted I wouldnt respond by telling them to purchase hand warmers and sit on them.

That's because you're asking what brand of hand warmers to sit on, and we're suggesting heated seats.

 

[Taz]

Toximus, much obliged sir. I'll write up how this works out with the mechman! I hear you guys on the downsides, it's mostly the prioritization of space management is the perspective I am coming from. It's not supposed to be a vehicle that is used for when I have access to these kinds of things. I appreciate the advice and help. Good chance I'll end up being wrong and that's understood, either way I'll go ahead and document it.

 

[Jack_Stefan]

I have the premier power alternator and welder box.
In my 4.0 i need like 1400 rpm to run my angle grinder.
i think need even less than that to start welding with 1/8 welding rods. 1200 rpms i believe.

I got the premier to weld and use my grinder. I have other cordless powertools that i prefer to use.

I also have a 20lb CO2 tank and every now and then ill use it with my impact gun for lug nuts on the trail. I believe i can break about a thousand lug nuts before i waste all my co2. its also great to use on control arms and steering. Takes seconds get running with my quick releases for air hoses.

Everything is relative tho. Space is a premium in the TJ. My impact wrench is small enough to fit in my pocket (Central Pneumatic). No Big batteries needed. My angle grinder is also very small but handles 4.5 cutting disc. I can put it beneath the seat. The only big thing i have in the name of tools is my welding leads (50ft)

If the tools are intended for use when offroading i dont think going with cordless is a bad idea just save for more room for batteries and bigger tools.
If its for at home stuff then yes get cordless.
My Co2 and premier welder both came second hand and i didnt pay much. So going the corded route just made sense for me.

 

[toximus]

This is the cordless welder I'm using. Much more convenient for me than alternatives.

https://karnagewelder.com/