The Ford E-150 van was formerly known as the Econoline; and while this model was initially intended for commercial use only, it serves perfectly well as a personal van. You can install a new alternator in your E-150 yourself, and considering the high costs of labor at a repair shop, this job is well worth your time. You can expect the repair to take less than an hour to do.
Open the engine compartment and disconnect the negative battery cable, loosening the terminal nut with a wrench.
Release the tension on the alternator belt by turning the alternator adjusting bolt counterclockwise with a socket and ratchet. When the belt is loose, pull it away from the alternator pulley.
Disconnect the electrical wires from the alternator, loosening the nuts with the wrench. Disconnect the voltage regulator harness from the alternator by squeezing the clip then pulling it gently off of the alternator. Remove the alternator mounting bolts with the socket and ratchet then pull the alternator out of the van.
Install the new alternator in place and tighten the bolts with the socket and ratchet. Connect the wires to the alternator then tighten the nuts with the wrench. Plug the alternator voltage regulator harness into the alternator.
Put the alternator belt over the alternator pulley then turn the adjusting bolt clockwise until the belt is at its proper tension. The proper tension for the belt is when you can push the belt about ¼ of an inch with your finger on its longest span between the pulleys. Reconnect the negative battery terminal, tightening the terminal nut with the wrench.
