I went to the junk yard to get an alternator and their database (Hollander) says the 100 amp alternator in the 850 and fwd 70 series interchange, while the 100 amp alternator in the awd 70 series won't.

What's the difference? I find it difficult to believe that the alternator mounts differently in the awd cars

 

Dunno, I looked and it seems the OEM part number is the same (5003996) for both XC and FWD - is your car a 98 or so? This is the same OEM number for the 850 with AC (ie 100A ). Curious if you considered just replacing the voltage regulator for yours? If you have your alternator out you can see what the part number listed is... Try doing a search on Tascaparts.com or FCP to see what they list as the OEM part numbers for both models.

 

For the sake of anyone who may be doing a search in the future...

The reason I asked is because I was going to pull an alternator off a V70XC to use in my 850. I've done it before, they're both the same amps, and didn't think it would be a problem. However, the Hollander database at the junk yard indicated that it wouldn't work. I also called Autozone and got two different part numbers, with to very different prices.

Turns out there is a difference, but all the listings are for '98-'99 vs. '93-'97. I'm guessing it was a mid year change in '98, which is why I was able to use a '98 alternator in the past.

Anyway, the newer alternator looks like this...




Obviously very different from the 850 alternator.