Batteries
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,760
Likes: 21
Thanks guys
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 6
From: Sioux Falls, SD
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 194
Likes: 1
From: Arvada, CO
I keep following this thread as I haven't had a chance to do it yet, but this is all great info!
Got in the truck after it had set for 3 days, batteries read 10.7v on the reader. Started it up and the system went to 12.5ish with about 20-30 seconds after starting. After driving it a few minutes it went up a bit further. Looks like new batteries are coming soon. I'd better get off my **** and get this done!
Here's my shopping list as I've pieced together since the last one posted:
1- 24" 1/0 gauge with a 3/8 lug on one end and a 5/16 on the other both tinned
1- 36" 12 gauge or better with 5/16 tinned lugs on both ends. Probably will just go with 1/0 as it'll look cool
1- M10-1.25x25mm bolt
Did I get it right?
Been shopping around online and looks like the CAT batteries are about the best deal going. Probably gonna pick up a set of those too. $135 or $130 I think they were.
Got in the truck after it had set for 3 days, batteries read 10.7v on the reader. Started it up and the system went to 12.5ish with about 20-30 seconds after starting. After driving it a few minutes it went up a bit further. Looks like new batteries are coming soon. I'd better get off my **** and get this done!
Here's my shopping list as I've pieced together since the last one posted:
1- 24" 1/0 gauge with a 3/8 lug on one end and a 5/16 on the other both tinned
1- 36" 12 gauge or better with 5/16 tinned lugs on both ends. Probably will just go with 1/0 as it'll look cool
1- M10-1.25x25mm bolt
Did I get it right?
Been shopping around online and looks like the CAT batteries are about the best deal going. Probably gonna pick up a set of those too. $135 or $130 I think they were.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 6,545
Likes: 13
From: Virginia Beach VA
I keep following this thread as I haven't had a chance to do it yet, but this is all great info!
Got in the truck after it had set for 3 days, batteries read 10.7v on the reader. Started it up and the system went to 12.5ish with about 20-30 seconds after starting. After driving it a few minutes it went up a bit further. Looks like new batteries are coming soon. I'd better get off my **** and get this done!
Here's my shopping list as I've pieced together since the last one posted:
1- 24" 1/0 gauge with a 3/8 lug on one end and a 5/16 on the other both tinned
1- 36" 12 gauge or better with 5/16 tinned lugs on both ends. Probably will just go with 1/0 as it'll look cool
1- M10-1.25x25mm bolt
Did I get it right?
Been shopping around online and looks like the CAT batteries are about the best deal going. Probably gonna pick up a set of those too. $135 or $130 I think they were.
Got in the truck after it had set for 3 days, batteries read 10.7v on the reader. Started it up and the system went to 12.5ish with about 20-30 seconds after starting. After driving it a few minutes it went up a bit further. Looks like new batteries are coming soon. I'd better get off my **** and get this done!
Here's my shopping list as I've pieced together since the last one posted:
1- 24" 1/0 gauge with a 3/8 lug on one end and a 5/16 on the other both tinned
1- 36" 12 gauge or better with 5/16 tinned lugs on both ends. Probably will just go with 1/0 as it'll look cool
1- M10-1.25x25mm bolt
Did I get it right?
Been shopping around online and looks like the CAT batteries are about the best deal going. Probably gonna pick up a set of those too. $135 or $130 I think they were.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 17,824
Likes: 3,104
From: Jersey Shore
3/8" both ends is what I used.
Are we obsessing too much about tin plated copper lugs ..... Well yes, don't we do that with our modifications?
But I also had to laugh in comparison to my other hobby, high end audio. Single crystal copper power cords with cryo treated plugs and sockets, etc., cryo teated 1 amp fuses, etc.
Here is a power cord for for an amp, player, or whatever:
https://app.audiogon.com/listings/ac...10-new-york-ny
I won't even bring up speaker wire. Tin plated cable lug, not even in the ballpark.
Are we obsessing too much about tin plated copper lugs ..... Well yes, don't we do that with our modifications?
But I also had to laugh in comparison to my other hobby, high end audio. Single crystal copper power cords with cryo treated plugs and sockets, etc., cryo teated 1 amp fuses, etc.
Here is a power cord for for an amp, player, or whatever:
https://app.audiogon.com/listings/ac...10-new-york-ny
I won't even bring up speaker wire. Tin plated cable lug, not even in the ballpark.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 194
Likes: 1
From: Arvada, CO
3/8" both ends is what I used.
Are we obsessing too much about tin plated copper lugs ..... Well yes, don't we do that with our modifications?
But I also had to laugh in comparison to my other hobby, high end audio. Single crystal copper power cords with cryo treated plugs and sockets, etc., cryo teated 1 amp fuses, etc.
Here is a power cord for for an amp, player, or whatever:
https://app.audiogon.com/listings/ac...10-new-york-ny
I won't even bring up speaker wire. Tin plated cable lug, not even in the ballpark.
Are we obsessing too much about tin plated copper lugs ..... Well yes, don't we do that with our modifications?
But I also had to laugh in comparison to my other hobby, high end audio. Single crystal copper power cords with cryo treated plugs and sockets, etc., cryo teated 1 amp fuses, etc.
Here is a power cord for for an amp, player, or whatever:
https://app.audiogon.com/listings/ac...10-new-york-ny
I won't even bring up speaker wire. Tin plated cable lug, not even in the ballpark.
WOW! That is an expensive hobby! I know where the name TooManyToys comes from now!
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 17,824
Likes: 3,104
From: Jersey Shore
It's a slippery slope but I've stayed close to the rim. Although if my wife knew (she doesn't want to know) what my audio system cost she'd think I've way over the edge. I do however make my own cables.
TMT comes mostly from things automotive however.
TMT comes mostly from things automotive however.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,760
Likes: 21
I keep following this thread as I haven't had a chance to do it yet, but this is all great info!
Got in the truck after it had set for 3 days, batteries read 10.7v on the reader. Started it up and the system went to 12.5ish with about 20-30 seconds after starting. After driving it a few minutes it went up a bit further. Looks like new batteries are coming soon. I'd better get off my **** and get this done!
Here's my shopping list as I've pieced together since the last one posted:
1- 24" 1/0 gauge with a 3/8 lug on one end and a 5/16 on the other both tinned
1- 36" 12 gauge or better with 5/16 tinned lugs on both ends. Probably will just go with 1/0 as it'll look cool
1- M10-1.25x25mm bolt
Did I get it right?
Been shopping around online and looks like the CAT batteries are about the best deal going. Probably gonna pick up a set of those too. $135 or $130 I think they were.
Got in the truck after it had set for 3 days, batteries read 10.7v on the reader. Started it up and the system went to 12.5ish with about 20-30 seconds after starting. After driving it a few minutes it went up a bit further. Looks like new batteries are coming soon. I'd better get off my **** and get this done!
Here's my shopping list as I've pieced together since the last one posted:
1- 24" 1/0 gauge with a 3/8 lug on one end and a 5/16 on the other both tinned
1- 36" 12 gauge or better with 5/16 tinned lugs on both ends. Probably will just go with 1/0 as it'll look cool
1- M10-1.25x25mm bolt
Did I get it right?
Been shopping around online and looks like the CAT batteries are about the best deal going. Probably gonna pick up a set of those too. $135 or $130 I think they were.
.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 194
Likes: 1
From: Arvada, CO
I've got an '05 as well. What size was the bolt you used?
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 17,824
Likes: 3,104
From: Jersey Shore
I have to call a yellow caution on that. Nothing I've done with Ford or International for decades has been in the inch measurement system, all metric. And a 3/8-16 is really close both in diameter and pitch to a 10-1.5mm so it might not hurt to double check the threaded hole.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,760
Likes: 21
I used a 3/8x16 bolt.
I bought a "10mm x 25mm metric hex cap fine" from NAPA and it crossed right away. I thought this was the one listed for this mod. I think it is metric but cores thread, not fine.
I ran a 3/8x16 tap in the virgin hole to clean it up and it was tight but didn't feel like it was cutting. I threaded the bolt on and snugged it up tight no problem.
Maybe Jack knows the correct size bolt, I don't think I am any help on that, sorry.
.
I bought a "10mm x 25mm metric hex cap fine" from NAPA and it crossed right away. I thought this was the one listed for this mod. I think it is metric but cores thread, not fine.
I ran a 3/8x16 tap in the virgin hole to clean it up and it was tight but didn't feel like it was cutting. I threaded the bolt on and snugged it up tight no problem.
Maybe Jack knows the correct size bolt, I don't think I am any help on that, sorry.
.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 17,824
Likes: 3,104
From: Jersey Shore
There are three threads available in the 10mm size: 1.00 (very fine), 1.25 (fine), and 1.50 (course).
Based on what's in my bolt box and what I have receipts for over the past quarter I believe I used 10-1.50 thread.
Based on what's in my bolt box and what I have receipts for over the past quarter I believe I used 10-1.50 thread.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,760
Likes: 21
Interesting observation
Yea I bet that's the correct size 10mmx1.50
Since installing the extra ground cable I noticed an increase in charging voltage just after start up when the glow plugs turn off and the alternator takes over. I am seeing 14.1-14.2 volts just after start up then settles down to about 13.6 volts after about 1/2 hr of running. Not sure why this is but my starter does sound like it draws a lot of current during a cold start. Maybe needing a new starter.
.
Since installing the extra ground cable I noticed an increase in charging voltage just after start up when the glow plugs turn off and the alternator takes over. I am seeing 14.1-14.2 volts just after start up then settles down to about 13.6 volts after about 1/2 hr of running. Not sure why this is but my starter does sound like it draws a lot of current during a cold start. Maybe needing a new starter.
.