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Gunslinger
Joined: Sat Nov 4th, 2017
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While kicking around the idea of a high output alternator, I decided I'm going to do the big 3. I'm surprised I haven't yet, actually. And I think I know how I'd like to do it. I'm going to buy some 4 AWG inverter cables which are pre-terminated and run those where I need 'em to go.
Maybe I'm just ill-equipped to work with higher gauge wires, say above 10 AWG, but I've always found that installing terminals onto such large wires to be a pain that never looks good in the end. These are pre-terminated, and are at a decent price.
Only issue is, both ends are terminated. That's great for bolting it to the frame or alternator where I need a fastener going through it, but when it goes back to the battery, I'm in a bit of a pickle.
I'll be going with a new pair of battery terminals, the kind that lets you slide wires in and hold 'em in with set screws, so obviously I want to slide them in that way, but I must admit I feel a bit bad about lopping those nice connectors off.
I could get some 4 AWG that's all nice and flexible, then get the proper stuff to terminate them, but I'd likely never use it again.
Decisions, decisions....
Then I happened to think of a potential issue I may run into. The battery itself. Turns out, the 5.0 calls for a bigger battery than the 3.0 does. No surprise to me. I've got a group 58, where the expo calls for a 65, according to autozone.
OK, so swap the battery tray and drop the bigger battery in. Only one problem. I've foolishly mounted a relay box next to the battery, which leaves just about zero room left to expand the battery. I'll need to relocate this relay box elsewhere.
Which.... that brings another complication. Most of what's in there is nothing special. However, my efan wires are fairly thick (9 AWG?), and I recall working with those to be a bit of a PITA.
I may need to go back to the drawing board on how I've got that fan wired up. Here's hoping my Efan is sufficient to keep that 5.0 cool. It seems to be more than what the 3.0 needs, so I'm hoping I can keep it. If I wind up replacing it, I guess I'll donate it to a certain sonic blue Ranger owner. I think I'll look and see what 5.0 expo efan users are doing.
This is turning out to be quite the rabbit hole, but I won't let it discourage me. The planning of things is fun, I like it.
Payday is the 20th, so I'll be making an order on Rockauto. I've got some time off for the holidays, so I'm hoping the parts will arrive on time.
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1999 Ford Ranger XLT - 3.0 V6 4x4 - Loaded (Totaled) 143k. Rest in Peace, Gold Dust.