90amp stock alternator isn't enough.

[PropertyCO]

Rangers come stock with a 90amp alternator, My system runs around 1200w to 1300w total, including subs and mids/highs.

i'm no electrician and i'm sure there's more math involved in this, but my math says 1000w should be a draw of 80 or so amps off my battery, head lights dim during burps, but my voltage generally sits around 14.3 and drops down to 13.8 or so at the least. Sits at a steady 14.8 without any music playing.

So I guess I have a few questions...

1. Will a second battery help cure dimming or voltage drop

2. If the second battery won't help/cure the problem, will an upgraded alternator do the job?

3. My truck's a 4 cyl, already lacks in horse power (80hp if that) is a higher output alternator going to put extra stress on the engine?

it's already horrible driving a four cylinder with ac on cause it robs my truck of acceleration, I'm afraid a better alternator

will be too cumbersome for the little thing.

[doodcody]

honestly with your voltage drop that low you you could get away with just 0 guage wire front to back and the big 3..

[Mac N Cheese]

So correct me if I am wrong but you are only dropping to 13.8v while playing at idle? If so I wouldn't worry about it.... First thing I would do to save money would be do the big 3 under the hood and go from there. Monitor your voltage after that and proceed if it's a must.

[Crandis16]

yes, yes and no do the big three and you will see improvements if not a complete fix.

Edit: I would add a battery if you don't want to pay big bucks for a high output alternator. just remember that batteries only store power and the alt is still putting out the same amount of current

Edited July 10, 2012 by Crandis16

[Bump4life]

do big 3, add a bat if thats not enough. then add a capacitor. I know guys that no one likes caps but if electrical is behind it and you get a good cap that does what it is rated at then that does help.

or get HIDs i have noticed less dimming with HIDs. or get a H/O alt. all viable options

Edited July 10, 2012 by Bump4life

[PropertyCO]

For the big three i've done ground wires, but the 2.3l engine i have doesn't have a easy way to get an upgraded power wire hooked from the alternator to the battery...

And I guess i should've specified those voltages are while driving, I don't idle much in my vehicle so i guess i haven't checked it at an idle yet.

I have 4 guage cable ran to the amp, and it's grounded straight to the battery not the chassis, I'd imagine that'd be enough, maybe i'm wrong?

And if i were to get a second battery, if they vary in quality, is there a preference on which one i should use as the primary under the hood?

wonder why this is so cheap compared to the other ones i've looked at.

This is a lot of questions, i know, so thanks for the help guys!

Edited July 10, 2012 by PropertyCO

[Bump4life]

xs power. get biggest one that will fit under hood. that should be enough for whole system

[Mario928]

For the big three i've done ground wires, but the 2.3l engine i have doesn't have a easy way to get an upgraded power wire hooked from the alternator to the battery...

And I guess i should've specified those voltages are while driving, I don't idle much in my vehicle so i guess i haven't checked it at an idle yet.

I have 4 guage cable ran to the amp, and it's grounded straight to the battery not the chassis, I'd imagine that'd be enough, maybe i'm wrong?

And if i were to get a second battery, if they vary in quality, is there a preference on which one i should use as the primary under the hood?

wonder why this is so cheap compared to the other ones i've looked at.

This is a lot of questions, i know, so thanks for the help guys!

This one https://www.dcpowerinc.com/fit/1997~Ford~Ranger~2.3L-I4/7768-6k-190-oem.html is the same price.

[Mario928]

xs power. get biggest one that will fit under hood. that should be enough for whole system

Do the big three as well.

[Mario928]

Also don't add a capacitor it will stress the alternator.