Ground cables
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Ground cables
Im starting to replace all of my main ground cables or add extras. Was wondering what gauge wires and where you guys add yours. My local parts store seems to only carry cheaply made ones. I plan to restore this truck and want the cables in my parts pile and a list of where they go to make the process a little faster.
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I have three grounds. The main negative battery post to engine block, battery negative to radiator support and engine to frame.
When I got the truck it had only one - the main battery to block ground. I believe it is original an looks like 2 gauge. I am guessing the parts store replacements are often 4 gauge.
I added the battery to rad support in 10 gauge to help lights and cab mounted accessories next. When I added trailer brakes I added a ground from the engine block to frame in 6 gauge. If the brakes were sucking 20+ amps in a hard stop I didn't want the ground to limit braking. The frame ground runs from the main ground on the engine to a tapped hole in the main frame next to the engine. The hole was already there... I cleaned it out with a 1/4" bit, tapped it 5/16", cleaned it up and had a good ground location.
As and when needed I make my own cables with materials from NAPA. They usually stock the heavy gauge wire and a good assortment of ends. I usually lay a length of heat shrink on the cable, install and crimp the end then solder with rosin core solder and a propane torch. Heat shrink last for both protection and looks.
When I got the truck it had only one - the main battery to block ground. I believe it is original an looks like 2 gauge. I am guessing the parts store replacements are often 4 gauge.
I added the battery to rad support in 10 gauge to help lights and cab mounted accessories next. When I added trailer brakes I added a ground from the engine block to frame in 6 gauge. If the brakes were sucking 20+ amps in a hard stop I didn't want the ground to limit braking. The frame ground runs from the main ground on the engine to a tapped hole in the main frame next to the engine. The hole was already there... I cleaned it out with a 1/4" bit, tapped it 5/16", cleaned it up and had a good ground location.
As and when needed I make my own cables with materials from NAPA. They usually stock the heavy gauge wire and a good assortment of ends. I usually lay a length of heat shrink on the cable, install and crimp the end then solder with rosin core solder and a propane torch. Heat shrink last for both protection and looks.
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JayBourbon
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Dec 29, 2017 10:23 AM
