86 5.0L

rocketrotary

That still doesn't answer my question though.

Vic

90GTRagtop

Some Ford alternators will come with a plug. However, when I changed my '90 mustang it did not. You should check all of your wires. Sounds like you experience a fairly severe over current event. The resulting heat may have cooked more wires than you've realized causing the casing to become brittle. If it has, you may need to replace the harness or a significant section of it. Check carefully before you put parts back on. If the casing is brittle, it will crack off and result in more shorts / fires later on.