Alternator swap

BarracudaBlueXJ · Mar 4, 2008

Hi, I have a 1985 cherokee that had a 2.5. I just recently swapped in a 97 tj 2.5 and picked up an alternator from a newer 4.0 cherokee. My old alternator had the hot wire from the battery, a ground wire, and a plug with two wires going into it. The new alternator has the post for the hot wire from the battery, a spot for a ground, and then it has 2 little posts. Niether of these posts are labeled so i don't know where to run the two wires that plugged into my old alternator.

This jeep is carburated and does not have a computer. I was wondering if anyone has done a similar swap and if they could clear things up for me on how to make this work.

Muad'Dib · Mar 4, 2008

BarracudaBlueXJ said:
Hi, I have a 1985 cherokee that had a 2.5. I just recently swapped in a 97 tj 2.5 and picked up an alternator from a newer 4.0 cherokee. My old alternator had the hot wire from the battery, a ground wire, and a plug with two wires going into it. The new alternator has the post for the hot wire from the battery, a spot for a ground, and then it has 2 little posts. Niether of these posts are labeled so i don't know where to run the two wires that plugged into my old alternator.

This jeep is carburated and does not have a computer. I was wondering if anyone has done a similar swap and if they could clear things up for me on how to make this work.

Sounds like the Alternator you picked up is a Nippondenso which is externally regulated. I'm pretty sure it will work in your application. Pick one up out of your year Cherokee, i believe its a Delco CI which is internally regulated.

BarracudaBlueXJ · Mar 5, 2008

is there a regulator i can buy to use with the Nippondenso alternator? The problem with using the alternator for my year is that it wont fit the new motor.

Muad'Dib · Mar 5, 2008

OOPS! i meant to say WILL NOT work.. in my last post.

Anyway, i don't know about the externally regulated how they work exactly. I guess its possible to get the regulator (if its an external piece not "built in" somewhere.. i think its part of the powertrain control module) and plumb it in somewhere. But then you still have the same problem... what about that two wired plug? I believe they are for regulator sense and energizing????

8Mud · Mar 5, 2008

Muad'Dib said:
OOPS! i meant to say WILL NOT work.. in my last post.

Anyway, i don't know about the externally regulated how they work exactly. I guess its possible to get the regulator (if its an external piece not "built in" somewhere.. i think its part of the powertrain control module) and plumb it in somewhere. But then you still have the same problem... what about that two wired plug? I believe they are for regulator sense and energizing????

The two wires are normally for ignition on signal and the idiot light. Depends if he has the SI or the CS alternator.
I'm curious about an external regulator for the late model XJ's. There may be some info on the Dodge sites.

tkjeeper · Mar 5, 2008

Talk to 5-90, more than you will ever want to know.

Alternator swap

BarracudaBlueXJ

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Muad'Dib

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BarracudaBlueXJ

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Muad'Dib

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8Mud

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tkjeeper

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