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battery cables.


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welll.. some days, like today when its REALLY cold... or maybe its just random? i don't know.

 

my truck won't start. and when it does this i bang on the battery terminals and wiggle them around a bunch, and eventually get the @#$%$ to start.

 

how should i go about replacing the battery cables? and i know a variety of shops sell beefy cable specifically for that. should i use that kind of stuff? or auto part store cheapy wire?

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welll.. some days, like today when its REALLY cold... or maybe its just random? i don't know.

 

my truck won't start. and when it does this i bang on the battery terminals and wiggle them around a bunch, and eventually get the @#$%$ to start.

 

how should i go about replacing the battery cables? and i know a variety of shops sell beefy cable specifically for that. should i use that kind of stuff? or auto part store cheapy wire?

 

I couldn't get my battery cables to stay on the terminals, and I was in a pinch, so I mig'ed them to the terminals, when I need a new battery, Ill get new cables too

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You can get a 4/0 or a fatter 1/0. I went with the fatter ones, always better to go bigger. You can get both at most stores. I might be wrong on the numbers, but you can tell by the size. And I got red for pos and black for neg, but I'm picky. ;) And..... don't cut them off and put the clamp on clamps.... thats a no-no.

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As far as DC goes think of it as a water pipe. The bigger the more/better flow. Lack of flow/constriction is heat. IE a hot wire has too much juice going thru it.

 

If your going the custom route, defineately go big!!!

 

I work in a Hospital and we are doing lotsa renovations. I scored some XRAY cable. Its big stuff and like brand new!! FINE stranded and at least 1/0 with thick cover. Its damn near 1/2" in diameter! I am going to make my own as well.

 

DEFINEATELY STAY AWAY from the clamp on jobbers!!! :eek: :eek:

 

CW

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Don't buy the "Bolt on to the end of a stripped back wire" type. They are designed to get you off of the side of the road only. You want to buy a complete battery cable with the the battery terminal, and starter eye, factory sodered on. Best source for quality cables in my opinion is NAPA. Pull off BOTH cables and measure them. Buy replacments a few inches longer than what came off. ;) There is a slight diffrence in the diameters of the top posts of the battery. Match old wire lengths to the new + or -replacments to ensure a proper battery terminal connection. Ask for special corrosion inhibiting felt washers to place under your new battery cables to prevent future corrision. :smart:

 

Red Dog

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so what are the good ones to use?

Well, I like the ones from NAPA PN 718023(+) & 718024(-) they're the perfect lengths with non-lead clamps. I can see some people not liking the clamps, but they're fine by me. The on-line price is whacked, mine were less than half that ($15.89 & $10.59) maybe still a bit high though.

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yeah, i might pick up some 5-90 cables after payday... my battery hasnt been an issue yet. its an everstart or something... PO put it in there, but its always got plenty of juice to do w/e.. and i don't have any high-load winches or anything like that as of now.

 

optima is down the road. my brother loves his. (but hes got a winch and other goodies)

 

EDIT:

 

THANKS ALL for your help! :bowdown:

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