Adding new battery cables and terminals

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88SUB

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I recently got a new battery and figured since I didn't use the side post style battery truck came with (including side post style connection terminals), I'll need to replace original cables for top mount.

Few things.
I need new battery terminals but not sure if I should use terminals with a few 'inputs' or go with a simple terminal and just add a distribution block?
Another thing is that I cant seem to find the terminal that goes to the starter. It's some 90 degree with tabs that don't allow 'spinning' as you wrench onto the starter. Going to assume this starter is also OEM original.
 

MisterB

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Depends on how many things you plan on plugging in, I suppose. If only a couple, I'd keep it simple and keep it on the battery.

I changed out my battery and cables not too long ago, and the one that plugs to the starter was just straight, so I had to put an L shaped bend in it and make sure when I tightened it that I held on to it with something so it didn't just turn to the right and touch something it shouldn't.

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88SUB

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As of now, I'd just have main power, CB power, and 1 LED bar power. I may add other LED pods/bar later.
On that starter terminal, yeah I cant find anywhere that carries it. New starters don't have that terminal need so I guess I'll have to make my own.

My main reason on terminals with a few 'inputs' is clean wiring rather than 'stacking' power terminals to bolts.

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Crispy

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Don't worry about the starter connection, a simple ring connection works fine. The only thing you have to remember is to hold the cable steady while tightening AND loosening it.
 

88SUB

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Don't worry about the starter connection, a simple ring connection works fine. The only thing you have to remember is to hold the cable steady while tightening AND loosening it.
I was thinking about just using a regular ring connector, but was worried about any spinning even when tightened.
I guess I'll just go this route.
 

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Put a star washer under the terminal. It will help prevent it from turning once it's tightened.

If you have more than two things, or any one thing that requires significant amperage I would set up a terminal block. At least if the truck isn't just a beater you don't care about.
 

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I like these you can replace them easy, add or subtract from them easy and I run eyelet eyelet leads to everything. Remember 3 grounds negative to frame negative to body and negative to engine.I daisy chain mine, some people m8ght find fault with that but it looks clean an I like it. Daisy chain, as in eyelet eyelet bat to block 2nd eyelet eyelet from there to frame 3rd eyelet eyelet battery to radiator support
 
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AuroraGirl

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I would personally like something to this effect, I havent gotten them but i searched for brass terminals. believe me, brass on brass(northstar battery) is AMAZING for car
I imagine brass on lead is not infallible but its gonna have less corrosion generally, as well as periodic maintenance and cleaning.
 

Havasu

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I'm interested in converting from side terminals to posts also, could you please share what length each cable needs to be? Thank you!
 

AuroraGirl

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I'm interested in converting from side terminals to posts also, could you please share what length each cable needs to be? Thank you!
is your alternator on passenger or driver side
 

highdesertrange

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x2 on the military terminals. those others are a joke. highdesertranger
 

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If you have a junkyard near by, the mid 90's trucks and Suburban's have multi post terminal blocks on the firewalls.
I have a few of them in the garage for just such dilemmas.
I have used many of the electrical parts from the newer trucks on my square.
 

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