Alternator, Cables and Large Battery Retrofit

Alternator, Cables and Large Battery Retrofit

The subject is a 1999 Tacoma 3.4l 4WD. The battery was swapped from a Group 24F to a larger Group 31. This was not super complicated. A 1/4" thick piece of ABS plastic material was placed under the battery to support it since it is much longer than the battery tray. A slightly longer J hook (from a Lexus GX470 or maybe land cruiser) was needed for the hold-down clamp since the Group 31 battery is taller than the original. The original hold-down bracket still works on it, but a longer bolt is helpful on the front hole. This battery does not interfere with the hood or anything else, but is probably the largest that will easily fit.

The cables were swapped with a Big 7 kit from Jeepcables.com, I called there and Paul added 3" length to the positve starter cable to reach the terminals since they are further away from the edge of the battery. The alternator cable was routed through the stock fuse box, and the 80 Amp FLM fuse was changed to 100 Amp.

A

$170 Denso 2100461 Denso First Time Fit Alternator - 210-0461

Denso 2100461 105 Amp alternator was installed to upgrade from the stock 80 Amp unit with 250k mi. on it. The cost was about the same. Since the new alternator is for a Suzuki Grand Vitara it requires a 5/16" drill bit to enlarge the bottom mounting hole slightly. The cable lug is further towards the bottom than the original alternator, but even the original battery cable will reach it. The plug is exactly the same; no mod needed.

The cables will need to be better organized at the battery terminals, but it is working with a steady output of 14.3v.