I recently picked up a chrome alternator to replace my stock one. Should that be a simple plug-and-play? What should be step 1? ...remove the belt? or other? How hard is it to get the belt back on? Should I use a torque wrench on the mounting brackets? Any tips and/or tricks? Thnx. -Jeff

 

First disconnect the battery,then remove the belt,disconnect ground wire on the back of alt; unbolt it there are 4 bolts then unplug it also from back and put it out.
good luck!

Rob

 

I agree, I have taken it off several times and it is very simple. Follow steps listed above and you should be golden.

 

if it takes you more than 5 minutes you are doing something terribly wrong

 

Above is correct, except the big red wire on the stud and nut on back is not a ground wire, it's a battery 'hot'..
10 min job..

 

easiest thing you can do on these cars, helps if you have someone up top though to put off the belt while you move the tensioner

and watch the wire on the back, could easily be ripped off

 

Probably 1 of the easiest things to take off under the hood of an f-body!

 

nu uh...my battery was easier

 

It is easy but also be careful not to drop the bolts!!! I lost 2 of mine somehow and had to get in the other car and go to home depot to get some new ones. It wasnt fun carrying that heavy *** alternator down the isles to find the right size. Sheesh. At least the new bolts look better b/c they are shiny.

Also, how much did you pay for the chrome alternator and where did you get it?

 

I could easily look this up but i figure ill ask anyway, whats the best way to get the belt off the alternator.

 

Use a socket wrench and mash down on the tensioner. The belt should come right off.

 

take the bolts out of the alternator, it drops enough to take the belt off. i put it back on by screwing the alternator back in, and i won't say how i got the belt back on (ghetto). i took a screwdriver and came from bottom to top of the belt over the alt pulley and just kept pushing. it went on and i've been driving for 2 weeks now, no problems.

 

i am still a little confused on how to get the belt off. i am just not sure what the tensioner is and how it works. help would be great.

 

The tensioner is the small pulley at the bottom of the engine compartment. The belt goes over the top of it. On the front there is a 1/2" bolt. Attach a socket (maybe with a short extension) and use it to turn the tensioner. You will see how it removes the tension from the belt so you can remove it. Easy as hair pie. Now is a good time to replace the belt, too.

 

The tensioner is down low between the AC compressor and the main balancer pulley. It is a small pulley (around 4 inch diameter) pulley that does not seem to be hooked up to anything. Put a breaker bar or long socket wrench, with a 13mm socket if I remember right, on it and move it up and away from the belt....should move easily. hold the wrench with one hand and pull the belt loose with the other...it will be very loose without tension from the tensioner.

Do the reverse to reinstall belt.

Randy