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Big 3 Upgrade Question

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Old Mar 22, 2016 | 12:13 AM
  #1  
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Default Big 3 Upgrade Question

So, I finished my audio build, my bass hits and I love it. My headlights dim and I don't love it so I'm doing the big 3. So I'm going to assume the Big 3 is
Alternator + to Battery +
Battery - to Chassis -
Engine - to Chassis -

Correct?

Onward, where is the Engine - at? Is it the one that runs off the Starter - or what? I found the Chassis - in the front passenger strut mount and another Ground wire from the Battery to the Firewall but I'm confused as to what I'm missing. Any info would be helpful!
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Old Mar 22, 2016 | 04:14 AM
  #2  
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Your stock grounds should be fine. I suspect you need a 220 amp alternator to handle the power draw that your stereo system is placing on the battery.

I'd go with a better battery and the 220 amp alternator. From this site: This Beefy Alternator is what you need for high amp stereo systems or for extra reserve power when you need it:

http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-9821-a...-06-07-08.aspx
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Old Mar 22, 2016 | 10:14 AM
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Originally Posted by Bucko
Your stock grounds should be fine. I suspect you need a 220 amp alternator to handle the power draw that your stereo system is placing on the battery.

I'd go with a better battery and the 220 amp alternator. From this site: This Beefy Alternator is what you need for high amp stereo systems or for extra reserve power when you need it:

http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-9821-a...-06-07-08.aspx
I'm holding off on alternator as it's not a beefy build I'm barely pushing 1000 watts.
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Old Mar 22, 2016 | 10:17 AM
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Then why are your headlights dimming ?
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Old Mar 22, 2016 | 11:14 AM
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You could always wire in a capacitor for your sound system. It would be cheaper than that alternator. Also, I think the yellow wire is what you're looking for in the images on this thread:
https://www.f150forum.com/f75/how-bi...-46822/index3/

Last edited by TLM FX4; Mar 22, 2016 at 11:17 AM.
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Old Mar 22, 2016 | 12:38 PM
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Definitely do the big 3 before anything else. As that is the cheapest and it can always help. Years ago I was a part of an audio forum and big 3 is highly suggested whenever upgrading audio and adding amps. If you aren't running anything too crazy the stock alternator should do fine.
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Old Mar 22, 2016 | 12:42 PM
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Originally Posted by TLM FX4
You could always wire in a capacitor for your sound system. It would be cheaper than that alternator. Also, I think the yellow wire is what you're looking for in the images on this thread:
https://www.f150forum.com/f75/how-bi...-46822/index3/
This. I added a capacitor to my audio system on my Grand Cherokee, because the headlights would dim. Took care of my problem and it never came back up. I was pushing 1000 watts as well. 600 to the subs, and 400 to everything else. I ran 2 amps in my system.
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