I have a 1996 F150 with 200,000 miles. I had an issue with the truck not starting. I replaced the solenoid and removed the starter. I had the starter tested at Autozone and it failed. Purchased the new starter and prepared to install it when I found the wires coming out of the starter deteriorated and cracked. Where do I get replacement wires? and what should I look out for?

 

It kind of depends on what's available and how much money you want to spend or how particular you are. If you bought the cable going to the starter from the battery, which also branches over to the fender mounted solenoid, it would be well over a hundred dollars from Ford I'm sure. Maybe that can be purchased at an auto parts store, if available, a lot cheaper. If the end of that cable is good where it hooks on the starter, you may be able to just wrap some electrical tape around the cracked places.

As far as the wire running from the fender mounted solenoid to the starter, you can probably get some wire and crimp ends on it if the complete wire is not available.

 

Make your own. Buy the cable and terminals and whatever else, pull the old wiring out and use it as a template to make up the new wiring.

 

Your '96 has a PMGR starter, right?
First off, remove the little spade connector from the starter and use a ring terminal nutted down directly to the trigger stud on the starter.
This has always been a problem on Fords of this era.

If your truck has the 2in1 cable you can use two separate cables or make your own.
Otherwise, I would just measure the length and purchase a quality 2Ga. cable from the aftermarket. (Carol, Pacer, Anchor)

 

I think Ford changed to the PMGR starters in 93. My 96 is PMGR, so I'm sure the OP's truck is too.

 

Yea, yea, I know.
I'm just saying to eliminate the "quick connect" and all the starter hassles it causes.