Mustangs have several different motors, ranging from a four-cylinder to a V8 engine. The procedure used when changing the alternator in the 1973 Mustang is the same no matter which size engine is in the vehicle. Since you will have the alternator off, the alternator belt should be checked for dry rot and fraying so it can be replaced at the same time. All Mustangs built in the '60s and '70s are considered highly collectible muscle cars.
Tools Used: ½-inch wrench, 9/16-inch socket and ratchet, 5/8-inch socket, 7/16-inch inch wrench, New alternator, Pry bar
Change an Alternator
Raise the hood of the vehicle and set the hood prop in place. Use the ½-inch wrench to disconnect the battery cable ends from the battery by loosening the nuts on the end of the cables. Lift the cables off by hand.
Use the 9/16-inch socket and ratchet and the 5/8-inch socket to loosen the two bolts that hold the alternator in place. Push down on the alternator to create slack in the belt.
Remove the belt from the alternator pulley by lifting the belt up off the pulley by hand.
Remove the bolts from the alternator using the 9/16-inch socket and ratchet. Lift the alternator up by hand.
Use the 7/16-inch wrench to remove the wires that connect to the alternator. Remember where each wire came from. Install the new alternator attaching the wires securely in place.
Place the alternator on the brackets and insert the bolts from the old alternator. Place the alternator belt onto the alternator.
Place the pry bar to the side of the alternator and pry the alternator up to tighten the belt until there is no more than ½-inch play in the belt when you push down on it. Tighten the bolts on the alternator after you have the desired belt adjustment.
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