Couple electrical questions...

[BlueTahoe2001]

I was driving home this evening and noticed that when I had went to roll up my back windows, the driving lights dim, and the dash lights did the same.

My best guess is that either that the altenator is going bad or maybe I need to do the double battery since I have my fuse block, and my Amp / Sub, hooked up to it.

Would I be better off buying a over-drive pulley, stronger altenator, or should I look into the dual altenator kit?

My last question is, what exactly is the "Big 3" wiring? I have seen people mention it, but haven't really found a concrete answer.

 

[blueflamed03]

hey Taylor, I suggest with the added system, the stock OEM alt just doesn't have enough amperage to support your system and all other needs. I'd look to replace the alt first. You'd have to have serious system to need a dual alt setup.

Big 3:
Battery + to alt +
Battery - to chassis
Engine block to chassis

 

[BlueTahoe2001]

hey Taylor, I suggest with the added system, the stock OEM alt just doesn't have enough amperage to support your system and all other needs. I'd look to replace the alt first. You'd have to have serious system to need a dual alt setup.

Big 3:
Battery + to alt +
Battery - to chassis
Engine block to chassis

Hey Tracy, Thanks! How much output should I look for? 140? Or 180? Im going to assume the more the better?

As for the big 3, can I use 4/GA or do I need to use 0/GA?

 

[droppedHoe]

my tahoe does the same thing. has for the 4 years i've owned it.
when rolling up the windows once they get to the top if my finger is still on the button it'll dim the hell outta my lights. if you purposly do it, watch your voltage. mine stays around 15 but holding the buttons will make the voltage drop to 11.

never figured out what it was. truck runs perfect, just this 1 little quark. perhaps doing my big 3 may help but seeing that the truck was 100% stock and doing it i dont know....?????

my alt is great, deka g31 battery that rest at 12.8

i'd love to know if anyone else has had this issue or knows how to fix it.

as for big 3, the thicker the wire the better. im using 2/0 for my big 3 this weekend. stupid thick wire but flexible considering how thick it is.
i've seen big 3 done with 4/0 welding wire... pure current LOL cuz that wire is thick as hell and isnt flexible what so ever

 

[blueflamed03]

0 gauge if you can man, bigger, the better, and yes, higher output is the best.

 

[BlueTahoe2001]

my tahoe does the same thing. has for the 4 years i've owned it.
when rolling up the windows once they get to the top if my finger is still on the button it'll dim the hell outta my lights. if you purposly do it, watch your voltage. mine stays around 15 but holding the buttons will make the voltage drop to 11.

never figured out what it was. truck runs perfect, just this 1 little quark. perhaps doing my big 3 may help but seeing that the truck was 100% stock and doing it i dont know....?????

my alt is great, deka g31 battery that rest at 12.8

i'd love to know if anyone else has had this issue or knows how to fix it.

as for big 3, the thicker the wire the better. im using 2/0 for my big 3 this weekend. stupid thick wire but flexible considering how thick it is.
i've seen big 3 done with 4/0 welding wire... pure current LOL cuz that wire is thick as hell and isnt flexible what so ever

0 gauge if you can man, bigger, the better, and yes, higher output is the best.

Awesome! Thanks guys, I guess Im going to order a ALT. tonight, and go get some 0/GA Thursday.

BTW, Does anyone have a detailed write up and pictures on the Big 3?

 

[grnrpr68]

all 0 gauge

1 - power alt to batt make sure you install fuse and holder on this charge wire
2 - ground batt to frame
3 - ground batt to motor

there you go good luck

 

[BlueTahoe2001]

all 0 gauge

1 - power alt to batt make sure you install fuse and holder on this charge wire
2 - ground batt to frame
3 - ground batt to motor

there you go good luck

Thanks man! Went to the local Stereo shop this afternoon, and they sold me some scrap 2/0 wire. Bought myself a couple connectors as well.

Last question for you guys. Once I do all the wiring. I still need to leave the other side post connectors connected to the battery right?