Battery Cables

[LTZ C20]

Hey all, I have been contemplating getting new battery cables for my 73 C20. I have a side post battery. I was wondering what you guys recommend.

Factory replacements?

Larger than factory size and non-factory terminals?

Is there a curtain brand you have found that makes a good replacement? 

Get bulk cable and individual terminals and make my own?

I don't care if I have to make my own.

What's your guys thoughts?  Thanks.

[Jason S]

I've stuck with the factory style side terminal type.  For batteries, I use dual terminal so that I can hook up to the top posts for whatever I need to do.

[LTZ C20]

Ok Thanks. Don't need a battery, mines only 6 months old or so.

[Captkaos]

I use the side style cables.  Just bought 2 for the diesel, which will turn over now....

[DuckAholic1]

I just replaced my Battery & cables. Stuck w/Factory style. Although did think about top terminal, but didn't;)

[LTZ C20]

Cool. Capt, side style I'm guessing you mean side post right? Did you just use cables from local auto parts store as a regular replacement or something special?

[Dr_Snooz]

x2 on the dual terminal batteries. They are super handy for hooking up accessories, like trailer brake controllers, aftermarket electric fan controllers, stereo amps, etc.

As far as battery cables go, the type of battery cable may matter less than the size and condition of the various engine, body and frame ground wires scattered around the truck. If you're thinking about doing something different with the battery cables, consider doing some kind of engine ground upgrade at the same time.

[LTZ C20]

Ok. I'll pass on the new battery with dual terminals, like I said, battery is new anyway.

As for cables, sizes you guys have used? Terminals that are good to use? I already replaced all the ground straps, engine-frame, body-engine. The negative cable to engine will get replaced along with the positive so that one hasn't been done yet. All the other small grounds have been cleaned and checked and repaired as needed and reinstalled. I think all but 1 or 2 checked out good.

Don't wanna do anything fancy, just improve the cables, I have no idea how old they are so I figured new cables and terminals can't hurt anything.

[Captkaos]

Well the for the diesel, I got dual posts batteries and ran the side post to the top on one and the top to the starter on the other.
I used replacement wires from Advanced.

[LTZ C20]

Oh ok. So far it seems that stock replacements are the norm, just being new cables is enough. I'll see what others pop in with before I decide, kinda think about goin up a size or 2 anyway.

[square81]

Mine were completely shot so why not upgrade, I replaced mine with #2 cable. Got it from a truck shop wasn't too bad price wise either. Also got some good cable ends too.

[LTZ C20]

Cool. Good to hear.

[LTZ C20]

I'm seeing that battery cables come with a special rating and a strand identification.  The rating is like this, "heavy duty - type SGR/SAEJ1172". What does that mean and what rating would be good to use? The stranding is noted in a number like this "133x21" or "361x23". What does that mean? Which is better?

[LTZ C20]

To check my cables I ohm'd the cables out.

My negative cable from battery negative to block has 0.8 ohms resistance, battery negative to engine-frame ground strap is 1.2 ohms at the frame end and battery negative to body-engine ground strap is 1.6 ohms at the body end. Not to bad I thought, being that's measuring thru the engine block and stuff. The negative cable being 0.8 for about 3 feet of cable is probably fine.

Was gonna check the positive cable, when I was looking for the end at the starter to touch with the test lead I found that there is a small section near the exhuast that has become burnt and black from the close radiant heat, that explains my slow cranking once in a while. I know having a new battery, new engine wiring and a new alternator that the only thing left was the unknown cables.

[rich weyand]

Just replace them with stock.  Works fine, as long as they aren't degraded by internal corrosion.