Step 1.  Make sure you have fuel.  I chugged a few cups of coffee so I am all set.

Step 2:  It was a while since I changed an alternator.  So I Google’d to refresh my memory.

Step 3:  Now I am ready.  I then get the tunes on.

Step 4: Hmm…should I clean my bench?  Nahh.

Step 5:  My arsenal of tools is ready.

Step 6:  It is a nice day so I will leave the truck outside.

Step 7: After disconnecting the ground wire for the battery I can begin.

Step 8: Disconnect the power lead to the alternator.  This is done with a 10mm socket.  Also, disconnect the wire harness as well.

Step 9: After that is done it is time to remove the bolts.  There are 3 and they are 13mm.  The top bolt was easy to get to, the other 2 require a little maneuvering.  I put on a knuckle to make removal process a little easier.  Just a fyi, I removed the top bolt first, in hindsight I should of removed that last since the tension is still high on the belt which caused the alternator to slip from position a bit.  No big deal but just a fyi.

Step 10:  Same idea as Step 9, just different angle due to the air intake.  I eventually take the intake out to make more room.

Step 11:  Alternator out, now time to put it back.

Step 12:  Here are the bolts.  Reusing them again.  I put on some loc-tite for same bolting.

Step 13:  Once the alternator is all tight, it is time to put the belt back on.  Once it is looped all through the pulleys, you need to release tension on the tensioner.  There are some special tools to to this but I used my ratchet breaker bar, 1/4″ to push the tensioner down and slip the belt back on.

Step 14: Done!

Hope you found this helpful if you ever need to replace the alternator in a 2003 Ford Explorer.

Total time was under 1 hr.