Hello all,
The positive battery cable that attaches to my starter melted the already corroded o-connector at the starter bolt. Right now I've got what's left of the connector wedged in between a couple of washers but I suspect that isn't a good long term solution.

The cable appears to run directly to the passenger side battery (and it's always hot - looks like the solenoid is on the starter, right?), which also forks off to the driver side battery. The illustrations on Ford's parts site are difficult to make sense of, so I'm not sure what part number I need, but I'm sure it isn't something that can be easily done with a parts store generic cable, even though I'd like to go to at least 2 ga. if not 0.

So, questions:
1: Does the positive battery cable run straight to the starter, and the whole mess (including the crossover to the driver side battery) need to be replaced?
2: Might it be worth trying to crimp on a new o-connector at the starter?
3: If the vote is for a new cable, is there a heavier-gauge alternative (preferably for less than stealership prices) that includes the crossover to the driver-side batt?

Happier news: the connector fried the day I picked up the truck three months ago, but was good enough to wait until I got the truck home and did so at the gas station three blocks from the house. The connector butted between the washers popped the cable out again tonight, again in front of the same gas station. Lucky me! But I'd like to get it fixed before it decides to go south on me again, maybe next time not so close to home.

 

Depending on how much of the wire is corroded back, you should be able to crimp or solder a new eye on. Strip back the insulation a little bit and see if it is corroded. You can make your own battery cables. A couple on here have and I think one has a detailed wright up. Then there is a whole new cable. I bought this one from Oriley auto when I first got my truck 8 years ago and it is still in good shape.
Super Start 04357 - Battery Cable | O'Reilly Auto Parts

 

Found it. Looks like William did it.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...e-rebuild.html

Also a link to genuine ford cables.
BATTERY for 1995 Ford F-250

 

...or you could just park on hills! Lol

 

To fit it right, you need a terminal with a 90-degree bend. I had the same terminal fail on one of our '95s; used this one - - to repair it.

 

Excellent - thanks everyone. I'll let you know which direction I end up going. I suspect it'll be the O'Reily route as I'd like the 2 ga. as it's my understanding the stock cables are 4.

 

That O'Reilly cable is 2/0, not 2 gauge. Same as stock.

 

Oops. More coffee.