T to the B
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Lenoir City, TN
My main concern when off roading is making sure my rig stays as close to 100% operational at all times. Even though I have a trailer....you can't take a trailer 1/2 way down trail 22...Cadillac....Rail....etc. So it's up to you to be able to get back to the parking lot....some how.
There's alot of things that can leave you stranded on the trail, and much like car theft, all you can really do is limit your probability of it happening to you.
Starters, crank position sensor, battery, ECU, alternator, fuel pump and probably some other electrical variables all run the risk of killing your day out on the trail. Sadly, some of these generally don't give you warning signs of failing and just DIE.
Its well known that I enjoy my A/C out on the trail...have for years. However, after the compressor failing, and the condenser kinda rotting out I upgraded to the Billy Grampa special of the 11$ 12v cigarette plug in oscillating fan. It works just fine.
So now, I have a gigantic heavy idler pulley that does nothing. I don't like that, and I want to put something more useful there. In steps Matt at MECHMAN ALTERNATORS. Fabs up a really simple adapter bracket where the AC comp. was and just that simple i'm running TWO alternators.
Why 2? Why not?! No...really. Like stated earlier I'm looking for dependability. I'm still running the stock near 20 year old alternator, but it's mounted really low on the Cherokees and gets exposed all the mud/dirt/dust the tires do. I just don't trust it. By running two, I have a failsafe, PLUS the advantage of a high output alternator. I haven't even half tested this system to it's full potential, but even the menial task of jumping other vehicles off, it doesn't even flicker a voltage drop.
I've used the winch on a few things here and there. They were some longer cable draws and the 300$ 3 year old Smittybilt seems to have alot more pep, especially when a good load is put on it. I can only imagine how well this work on a really hard pull or 30-45 min. worth of winching. I hope to document this here soon.
Not doing any build thread, as I just purchase what i need as I see fit, but I hope to run an on board air system and ultimately a portable welder in the near future so i'm just trying to get the foundation laid to take advantage of these future toys when I can make them a reality.
Thanks for reading, and if you need a stock replacement alternator, a high output alternator, dual setup or completely custom, Matt and his crew at MECHMAN ALTERNATORS can make your napkin drawings an operating reality. They're located just off of Cherry St. in Knoxville, TN. Search them on Facebook at MECHMAN ALTERNATORS for any inquiries you may have. I've known Matt Young a long time, and he's a good guy to know. Very knowledgeable on what he does and has his hands involved with everything from the multi battery car audio bass heavy hitters as well desert racing off road series'.
****NOTES FOR DUAL ALTY INSTALL ON A 96 JEEP CHEROKEE*****
Cherokees changed PS pumps around 96 or so, and with that said, on a pre 96 Matt was able to use the stock serp belt and the stock radiator hose on his Cherokee. Mine had a NON A/C upper radiator hose and I was not able to use my stock serp belt. I needed one appx. 1" shorter. Knowing jeep build tolerances....this may just be an oddball mix up that created the perfect storm. I'll provide the correct serp belt part number if one is needed in the pix below.
There's alot of things that can leave you stranded on the trail, and much like car theft, all you can really do is limit your probability of it happening to you.
Starters, crank position sensor, battery, ECU, alternator, fuel pump and probably some other electrical variables all run the risk of killing your day out on the trail. Sadly, some of these generally don't give you warning signs of failing and just DIE.
Its well known that I enjoy my A/C out on the trail...have for years. However, after the compressor failing, and the condenser kinda rotting out I upgraded to the Billy Grampa special of the 11$ 12v cigarette plug in oscillating fan. It works just fine.
So now, I have a gigantic heavy idler pulley that does nothing. I don't like that, and I want to put something more useful there. In steps Matt at MECHMAN ALTERNATORS. Fabs up a really simple adapter bracket where the AC comp. was and just that simple i'm running TWO alternators.
Why 2? Why not?! No...really. Like stated earlier I'm looking for dependability. I'm still running the stock near 20 year old alternator, but it's mounted really low on the Cherokees and gets exposed all the mud/dirt/dust the tires do. I just don't trust it. By running two, I have a failsafe, PLUS the advantage of a high output alternator. I haven't even half tested this system to it's full potential, but even the menial task of jumping other vehicles off, it doesn't even flicker a voltage drop.
I've used the winch on a few things here and there. They were some longer cable draws and the 300$ 3 year old Smittybilt seems to have alot more pep, especially when a good load is put on it. I can only imagine how well this work on a really hard pull or 30-45 min. worth of winching. I hope to document this here soon.
Not doing any build thread, as I just purchase what i need as I see fit, but I hope to run an on board air system and ultimately a portable welder in the near future so i'm just trying to get the foundation laid to take advantage of these future toys when I can make them a reality.
Thanks for reading, and if you need a stock replacement alternator, a high output alternator, dual setup or completely custom, Matt and his crew at MECHMAN ALTERNATORS can make your napkin drawings an operating reality. They're located just off of Cherry St. in Knoxville, TN. Search them on Facebook at MECHMAN ALTERNATORS for any inquiries you may have. I've known Matt Young a long time, and he's a good guy to know. Very knowledgeable on what he does and has his hands involved with everything from the multi battery car audio bass heavy hitters as well desert racing off road series'.
****NOTES FOR DUAL ALTY INSTALL ON A 96 JEEP CHEROKEE*****
Cherokees changed PS pumps around 96 or so, and with that said, on a pre 96 Matt was able to use the stock serp belt and the stock radiator hose on his Cherokee. Mine had a NON A/C upper radiator hose and I was not able to use my stock serp belt. I needed one appx. 1" shorter. Knowing jeep build tolerances....this may just be an oddball mix up that created the perfect storm. I'll provide the correct serp belt part number if one is needed in the pix below.
