Alternator question

[Andy 2]

I noticed the other day that the two lights in the instrument cluster were coming on and off and flickering. when the rpm's were up as while driving the lights were out. When I slowed down to stop the lights came on dimly and got brighter as the engine slowed down to idle. The two lights in question are the battery indicator and brake indicator. Could this be a sign that the alternator is on its way out?

[camoit]

First thing to do is check voltage output at the alternator. 14.2 is outstanding. 13.X is good 12.X is a problem.
Next check to see how the battery is. Low on water fill them.
Low on water plates exposed to air, junk.
Fully charged 13.X under charged 12.X.
Charge with a charger and recheck all powers again.

[Andy 2]

I checked the alternator. Its between 12 and 13. The battery is between 12 and 13. I swapped in 2 other alternators and checked them and both were between 12 and 13. This is the 1988 2wd. I checked the 1989 4wd and battery is 13. With the motor running close to 15.

[geezer101]

Be aware that the output amperage on the stock alternators is mediocre at best. It's a good idea to upgrade it as the majority of electrical issues take place at the worst times - raining at night with the headlights, wipers and the heater going. It limits what other upgrades you can make like decent H4 headlight globes and driving lights, and an audio system if you like your tunes.

[Andy 2]

Yeah, I see that these alternators are only 45 amp. I went online and can get a 65 amp rebuilt unit for not too much money. I did see a 75 amp unit but the price came up in Euros. There is an auto electric place in my area that I will be visiting on Monday. They may be able to rebuild one of mine and upgrade the amps. They rebuilt my overdrive solenoid a while back and the price was reasonable. I would like to upgrade to an electric cooling fan but have to get this issue dealt with first. I think with the electric fuel pump for the Weber and an electric fan I'm going to need more juice.