I took my new to me 88 Samurai out for the first camping trip this weekend.    My family wanted to try out the Off road lights, so we took it out during the night.    We I kicked them on and hear the alternator struggle at first.    Then I noticed it was getting really hot?  WTF?    So I kicked them off and it cooled down a bit.    It was still running hotter than the day time when I'm using almost no power.   When I got back to camp, I turned lights off, and in 30 seconds it was down to normal operating temp.   What the deuce is going on?

Thanks for any help
fixed.

The stock alternator is not up to snuff. It is marginal at best and barely provides enough juice to run the stock electrical demands, and then when you kicked on the off road lights the alternator simply was overheating trying to keep up, generating a significant amount of heat and enormous drag on the engine.

I would seriously consider a GM alternator upgrade, a far better alternative.

Are we talking about the alternator getting hot or the engine getting hot?  And whilst I'm asking questions - what does an alternator sound like when it's struggling?

Although talonxracer is right on the mark about the stock alternator not being up to snuff - I wouldn't expect to see it show up on the temperature gauge, unless the fan belt was also slipping under the increased load (the belt drives the alternator and also the water pump & fan).

Sorry, the engine water temp was getting hot.   Yes I heard the belt squeaking.    So Yes go with a new alternator?

They're both right. Upgrade the alternator and tighten or replace ( your probably gonna have to anyway if you change alts) your belt. There are kits available from several vendors, TrailTough, Low Range and even ebay has a kit with mounts and such. Good upgrade if your running anything more than stock equipment, even an amp and head unit will draw too much for the wimpy stock alternator. Check your battery too, make sure it's up to snuff.

So what alternator do I ask for?    Does an auto parts store have the GM upgrade alternator when they pull up a replacement for the 88 Samurai?    Sorry if this is a dumb question, I'm new here.

Thanks
Fixed.

You will need the upgrade Alternator bracket as well, so you might as well buy the mount and alternator together from someplace like LowRange.

Lets just say I get a really good deal on auto parts.   My dad owns a Napa.

Suppose to be a good source for a deal on gm alternators.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/190667038635?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1431.l2649#ht_548wt_1413

Lets just say I get a really good deal on auto parts.   My dad owns a Napa.

Then you souldn't have a hard time comparing them to the stock one. You'll want to find one that has the same mounting locations for the ears, a two wire works best, and just purchase the new mounts from one of the vendors. Try and find one in the 80+ amp range. Mine came from an earlier model Suburban, and the plug had to be changed on my truck to fit the new alt.

If he owns a NAPA then you have every bit of info needed already, I would look for a Delco/Remey 12Si alternator that is clocked at 3o'clock and get the connector with pigtails. The bracket will need to be purchased and NAPA wont carry it, youy will need to contact either LowRange or Trail tough directly for their bracket to mount the larger alternator. The pulley from the stock alternator fits onto the Delco alternator without any issues.

I used a rebuilt alternator from NAPA as well(my cousin owns one) 78 amp.

Ok guys thanks for the info I appreciate it.    My old man lives in a different state, so it's not as easy as you think to find what I need.   

You guys are the best

Fixed.

P.s. Samurais are bad ass, I had a CJ-5 with a 304, and this thing beats it hands down.