phillipwhat1
06-22-2024, 07:08 PM
John Deere tractors from 2009-ish era use Denso alternators with the 6 o'clock 12 o'clock mounts. They can be had with round or oval power connectors on the back.
My wife drives a 1994 Lite Ace. It's basically a Japanese variant of the Van with some key differences. It uses a 3Y engine however. The alternator is 90amps vs the Van's 70 or 80amps.
My choices were slim for purchasing something that would work. I was getting desperate and almost went with an MR2 or a high-output modded van alternator.
I discovered through this forum that somebody had used a GM cs144 and proceeded to go down a rabbit hole of Google searches.
What I found was that Tacomas have been successful using John Deere tractor alternators.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2-other-alternator-options-for-our-1st-gen-tacomas-with-5vz-fes.786979/
The thread above shows 3 compatible for the Tacoma. As shown in another Vantech thread, the Suzuki Grand Vitara shaft is slightly offset and doesn't align correctly in a Toyota Van, therefore that one will not work. The other 2 John deere options will work. 1 of them is 140 Amp, the other is 150 Amp.
Lo and behold, I ordered a John Deere Denso 104210-3920. I did have to modify a few things. Namely, an s5 pulley, boring out the positive wire terminal to accomodate the m8 stud ( should have replaced it instead), and I did have to shave off a few mm of the top mounting ear with an angle grinder so it would clear the radiator hose (the John Deere mounting ear is several MM thicker than the Lite Ace alternator). After that it was smooth sailing with a brand new 150 Amp denso alternator. (for $230). It works well and even makes the engine idle a bit smoother. (that may be due to the efficiency of the hairpin alternator design, or it may be because wife's failing alternator was funking up her idle)
I chose not to upgrade the power and ground wires. This will not be utilized for high output loads. I simply wanted something new, reliable and cool-running.
I did not take any pictures of the modifications, however here is a photo from the Tacoma forum.
12693
Note the power stud in the Tacoma is on the bottom. The John Deere stud is at the 11:30 position. This is slightly off from the 3YEU alternator but it worked out fine.
The John Deere alternator is 0.9 inches wider in diameter. Our Lite Ace is the 4WD version so this proved to be extremely difficult. I followed the 4WD alternator directions from this (https://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/showthread.php?69-How-to-remove-your-4wd-Van-s-alternator-relatively-easily)thread, but I also had to remove the tension adjustment bolt bracket as well. It was a major pain. Removing and inserting the alternators in this vehicle is like giving birth, but somehow the Van will allow it. Even with the extra 0.9".
So that is my post, I hope it is helpful for somebody.
My wife drives a 1994 Lite Ace. It's basically a Japanese variant of the Van with some key differences. It uses a 3Y engine however. The alternator is 90amps vs the Van's 70 or 80amps.
My choices were slim for purchasing something that would work. I was getting desperate and almost went with an MR2 or a high-output modded van alternator.
I discovered through this forum that somebody had used a GM cs144 and proceeded to go down a rabbit hole of Google searches.
What I found was that Tacomas have been successful using John Deere tractor alternators.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2-other-alternator-options-for-our-1st-gen-tacomas-with-5vz-fes.786979/
The thread above shows 3 compatible for the Tacoma. As shown in another Vantech thread, the Suzuki Grand Vitara shaft is slightly offset and doesn't align correctly in a Toyota Van, therefore that one will not work. The other 2 John deere options will work. 1 of them is 140 Amp, the other is 150 Amp.
Lo and behold, I ordered a John Deere Denso 104210-3920. I did have to modify a few things. Namely, an s5 pulley, boring out the positive wire terminal to accomodate the m8 stud ( should have replaced it instead), and I did have to shave off a few mm of the top mounting ear with an angle grinder so it would clear the radiator hose (the John Deere mounting ear is several MM thicker than the Lite Ace alternator). After that it was smooth sailing with a brand new 150 Amp denso alternator. (for $230). It works well and even makes the engine idle a bit smoother. (that may be due to the efficiency of the hairpin alternator design, or it may be because wife's failing alternator was funking up her idle)
I chose not to upgrade the power and ground wires. This will not be utilized for high output loads. I simply wanted something new, reliable and cool-running.
I did not take any pictures of the modifications, however here is a photo from the Tacoma forum.
12693
Note the power stud in the Tacoma is on the bottom. The John Deere stud is at the 11:30 position. This is slightly off from the 3YEU alternator but it worked out fine.
The John Deere alternator is 0.9 inches wider in diameter. Our Lite Ace is the 4WD version so this proved to be extremely difficult. I followed the 4WD alternator directions from this (https://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/showthread.php?69-How-to-remove-your-4wd-Van-s-alternator-relatively-easily)thread, but I also had to remove the tension adjustment bolt bracket as well. It was a major pain. Removing and inserting the alternators in this vehicle is like giving birth, but somehow the Van will allow it. Even with the extra 0.9".
So that is my post, I hope it is helpful for somebody.