I recently replaced my alternator with a Load Boss brand high output one from Alterstart Systems, inc.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/85-9...573QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

I also bought the higher gauge power cable and replaced the ground with a 4 gauge wire as recommended in the instructions. The instructions also said not to use the voltage regulator so the alternator is in w/out voltage regulator. The volt gauge in the dash now read lower than stock alternator at idle (=<1000 rpm) but reads higher at higher rpms. Is this normal/good??? I'm afraid to turn my stereo on now.

I then messed with the idle adjustment to turn up my idle to see if the dash gauge would go up. Now the truck has considerable power loss at low end (1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear).

I also recently replaced the ac idler and had trouble with it making wierd/loud hissing sound until I adjusted the "big knob" and messed with the idle adjustment. Does anyone know what the "big knob" does and how to adjust it properly?

My feeling is that somehow, by adjusting the idler adjustment it messed with air vaccuum and the engine is not getting enough air but it's fuel injected. I'm still a noob and unfamiliar with all this. Maybe it's related to that "big knob" on the ac idler. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

The big knob is the a/c idle up adjustment. It sets the idle speed when the a/c is running so as no not bog the engine down. Usually set it so the RPM comes up 100-200 RPM when the a/c kicks in. Should have no affect when the a/c is off. IF it does, check the plumbing there and see if the VSV is stuck open:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/22RE_Engine_Pix/13.html

Not uncommon for high output alts. to put out less voltage/current at lower RPMs. Sort of the nature of the beast, stock alt. comes up to full capacity at fairly low RPMs but the magnetic field saturates and that limits the max. output. Higher output alt. would have fewer windings of bigger gauge wire. Bigger windings = less resistance and more current (good) but fewer windings = less voltage at a given RPM (bad). Advantage is the output keeps climbing at higher RPMs while the stocker would level out at some point.

Thanks 4crawler - can always count on you.

wait...

OEM alts have the voltage reg built INTO the case.

did they mean an external one?

otherwise, have you measure the voltage at the batt?

normally they should be 13.5 to 14.4 (+/- .3) volts....