Notices
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Dentsides Ford Truck
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Moser

Battery Cables???

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 20, 2009 | 05:51 PM
  #1  
hacking_in2002's Avatar
hacking_in2002
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Battery Cables???

I've replaced both the ground and hot cables on both of my trucks a couple of times and have had nothing but trouble. As of late the the ground cables seem to be too big for the posts on my battery (have to tighten them down all the way to stay snug.) The hot cables don't seem to be big enough, I can tighten them down just a few turns, and the connectors at the battery will crack!!

Do they make different sizes of posts on top post batteries? Or are the cables i've bought just junk?
 
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2009 | 06:00 PM
  #2  
mikeo0o0o0's Avatar
mikeo0o0o0
Hotshot
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
Club FTE Gold Member
The positive and negative battery posts have always been different sizes. I forget which one is the larger one.
Most cable clamps are made with enough "give" so they'll fit either post.
 
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2009 | 06:45 PM
  #3  
Jermafenser's Avatar
Jermafenser
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,956
Likes: 10
From: MD
The positive post is always larger than the negative post.

Get them snug, that's all. Sounds like you applied too much torque if the connectors cracked.
 
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2009 | 06:55 PM
  #4  
hacking_in2002's Avatar
hacking_in2002
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Jermafenser
The positive post is always larger than the negative post.

Get them snug, that's all. Sounds like you applied too much torque if the connectors cracked.
Probably should've worded my question better.....I know the positive is bigger than the negative. What i'm wondering is when I buy a positive cable for instance, do they make different sizes in the connector? The positive cable I bought seemed way too small for the post on the battery, hence the reason it cracked. Only gave the nut a couple of turns of the wrench before it happened.
 
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2009 | 07:17 PM
  #5  
Jermafenser's Avatar
Jermafenser
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,956
Likes: 10
From: MD
They may...but post terminals are pretty much universal.

Sounds like you bought a generic negative post cable which are not marked. You get what you pay for.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
wfilkins47
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
May 15, 2014 09:16 PM
Alan L.
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
0
Oct 31, 2009 04:55 PM
LonnieD
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
36
May 24, 2009 06:01 PM
kanepjk
Bronco II
4
Dec 9, 2006 01:15 PM
pdqford
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Jul 15, 2004 01:14 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:04 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE