1st Gen. Ram - All Topics Discussion for all Dodge Rams prior to 1994. This includes engine, drivetrain and non-drivetrain discussions. Anything prior to 1994 should go in here.

Replacement Battery cables

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 8, 2017 | 08:48 PM
  #1  
elway12's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 46
Likes: 4
From: Chandler, AZ
Replacement Battery cables

Looking to change out my battery cables. Have not been able to find any resources etc. that have them. Don't want to really make them myself. I have only one battery but would need the extra splice attachment on the +. Any sites or places to get some that would fit my 91? Thanks.
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2017 | 08:59 PM
  #2  
j.fonder's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 884
Likes: 93
From: Jacksonville, FL
carquest here makes them with whatever size cable, length, and ends you need. might try that.
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2017 | 09:02 PM
  #3  
mknittle's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,918
Likes: 603
From: Tulsa, OK
I had mine made up at a battery shop. If you don't have one in your area these guys may be able to help.
Heavy Duty, Aftermarket, Custom Battery Cables for your Car, Truck or RV
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2017 | 09:21 PM
  #4  
Jim Lane's Avatar
Administrator
20 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,084
Likes: 235
From: Southern California
I make my own cables with any lug, but you might check for a Truck Electric Shop or even NAPA I have bought heavy truck cables from them before.

An option would be to get a straight 00-gauge cable with lugs on both ends and then install military terminals to your battery, then you can replace any part that fails and tap the terminal with as many wires that you need.

Heavy duty electrical on trucks use a lot of straight cables to connect series/ parallel switches and to interconnect batteries.

If you have a cable made, be sure to have the lugs clocked to the correct position so you do not twist the cable during installation.

Also,
If you cannot find a truck electric shop locally you could also have a welding shop crimp lugs on 00-gauge welding cable.

Do not go any smaller than 00 for either cable, you can buy the military terminals from NAPA or Interstate Battery Stores also anywhere on the internet.
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2017 | 09:34 PM
  #5  
kensmachine's Avatar
Registered User
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 453
Likes: 50
I believe that there 2 styles of Military end's I use the Heavy duty one's Ken
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2017 | 06:38 AM
  #6  
Jim Lane's Avatar
Administrator
20 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,084
Likes: 235
From: Southern California
There are 2 types of Military "Spec" Terminals,
These are made of Zinc alloy



While these are made of Lead



Zinc is a much better conductor than lead.

I have seen some junk being sold as Mil Spec.
Jim
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2017 | 07:43 AM
  #7  
archer2's Avatar
Registered User
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 352
Likes: 52
From: Marshall Virginia
I've had good luck with gregsmarinewiresupply.com, fast turn around. I like their primary wire also as it's tinned.
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2017 | 01:14 PM
  #8  
u2slow's Avatar
Registered User
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,860
Likes: 425
From: BC
Originally Posted by Jim Lane

An option would be to get a straight 00-gauge cable with lugs on both ends and then install military terminals to your battery, then you can replace any part that fails and tap the terminal with as many wires that you need.
I started doing this when I first added an inverter to my work van ~10 years ago. Now I go this route for any cable replacement on any of my vehicles.

BTW, I use the affordable hammer-style crimper
84-9087 - Brute? Hammer Crimper, 8 - 4/0 Gauge - Grote Industries
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2017 | 08:07 PM
  #9  
Jaybug's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 38
Likes: 1
From: Central California
Try Marine Wire, Boat Wiring & Marine Electrical - BestBoatWire.com you can have custom battery cables made in whatever length, gauge, color, terminal end, shrink, etc. that you wish. They have tinned copper or regular copper. All wire made in USA.

I just ordered new battery cables through them. I can't properly put on my own connector ends since I don't have the necessary soldering iron or crimper with rotating die. I don't want to hammer and punch the connector ends on either. Plus I don't want to go to a truck stop or welding shop etc. and ask them for help, so this seemed like a good idea for me.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
taildragger
2nd Gen. Dodge Ram - No Drivetrain
38
Dec 19, 2006 09:49 AM
Hoss15
Performance and Accessories 2nd gen only
3
Oct 27, 2005 11:06 AM
leprechaun
12 Valve Engine and Drivetrain
5
Sep 14, 2005 08:20 PM
banzaitoyota
HELP!
3
Sep 29, 2003 04:36 PM
ggolub
1st Gen. Ram - All Topics
2
Jul 5, 2003 06:16 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:17 AM.