I replaced my battery cables about 4 years ago with motorcraft replacements. Well on the 99 they have the large lead ends still and they have not worn very well. On the newer trucks they have a metal clamp. They look like they would have a longer service life. Is there going to be any issues in putting a 2003 cable on my 1999? I would think all the wiring spots would be the same.

 

No provision for the starter solenoid on the fender.

 

Crap!!! I can't win!!! Where is the solenoid on the newer trucks then?

 

Couldn't you remove the lead ends and install the new style?

 

Isn't the solenoid on the starter itself.

 

Ford replaced the fender-mounted solenoid (yes, there is also one on the starter itself...a bit redundant, I know) on the everything-up-through 2001 pickups with a relay in the fuse box under the dash starting in 2002.

 

Here you go....

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-01-truck.html

 

Thanks Shake-N-Bake. So if I am understanding the picture. All you have to do is cut off the old y connector and wire it to the positive cable? And then you are good to go? If that's the case I am ordering tonight. Plus the newer cable is half of the price of the one for the 99 cable.

 

Adding another splice that opens up the door to corrosion/high resistance....

Sounds like a great idea. Not.

 

I understand your point. But I think if it is done properly then it would be okay.

 

Done properly as far as using actual solder and hammer-crimped/shrink tubing on the ring terminal or just using a yellow-jacketed butt connector and ring terminal?

 

Pretty much yes. The Y connector has two wires molded into it and you'll re-use it in it's entirety. Carefully remove the split loom and protective cable sheathing from your old harness as well as the new one....swap the Y connector assembly over to your new harness, reinstall the sheathing and you'll be good to go. The Y connector has a large wire that runs over to the lead battery clamp...cut it loose at that point. The new '02 style harness has a built in terminal stud where you can connect that wire. Either solder and shrink wrap a ring terminal or use a cable lug connection. I used a cable lug connection since it's the exact same type of connection that you will find at your under hood fuse box.

No reason to splice anything. It actually works out to be the exact same amount of power connections as the '02-'03 trucks. The connection at the driver's battery is exchanged for the connection at the fender mounted solenoid. The '02-'03 battery harness has a stud at each battery clamp, that is where you run your wire to. Home Depot has the cable lug connections in their electrical section. It's a very reliable method of making an electrical connection. You can even seal it up with rubber if you live in a wet climate.

 

I would use the soder method myself. I think the newer set up clamps will work better for me. They don't seem to wear out when taking the on and off the posts like the lead ones do. Clean the lead cable ends a couple times and they get to the point where you can't get them tight enough.

Thank you for the clarification Shake-N-Bake. I have the new cable in the kart at Rock Auto, probably will go to the local electrical shop of the fittings needed.