mauricio_28 said:
In preparation for adding various and sundry electrics, I'd like to swap the alternator for a unit that provides higher current. I was thinking of looking for a replacement unit in stores that sell parts for Nissan heavy trucks. But then I thought that alternators must be engine-specific since their size and geometry must mesh in perfectly with the engine belt. Is this correct?
Btw, the rig is a d40 Nissan Navara.
Correct about the belt alignment but they are not always engine specific. You may find the same alt on a golf course lawn mower .
If you have a local alternator/starter motor,AC comp specialist nearby ,they usually sell universal alternators that can be easily fitted to most vehicles.
Someimes,the guts of a more powerful alternator can be shoehorned into your existing alternator casing.
They also have a standard method of measuring the various mounting points.
Then they can look through books for a similar size.
Some alternators come in identical left and right hand versions for various markets/models
One may have a higher output and the internals can be swapped.
There used to be some good online resources to search but they seem to be drying up.
Sometimes a search under well known electrical brands like Denso or Bosch will lead somewhere.