Alternator Fuse and Fuse Box-Battery Wire Replacement/Upgrade

@CODOTUS I think I can picture that. It's been a while. Thanks.

 

Thank you for the write up! This saved me big time.

I would of just pulled the whole fuse box up liked you had, but the right side was giving me trouble and then I realized I could get to that 2nd bolt without the right side being up.

 

I still have to replace that wire eventually for the full wiring upgrade.

 

Thanks for this write up! Finished my X2 battery install yesterday, after ordering the cable mentioned upthread, and the battery tray mentioned in a different thread (Wirthco). I also really appreciate the comment suggesting zip ties to hold open all the points on the fuse box to get it out. That made it super easy!

Only sticking point was having to come up with, measure, and shorten a screw to replace the (now too short) screw holding the battery-fuse box wire in place. Luckily I had one that fit.

Oh, and I didn't have to modify the opening on the fuse box for the Camco cable. It just barely fit. Thanks again!

 

This write up is gold. Saved my life. Thank you OP

 

And not because I wanted to upgrade, but because I blew a fuse!

 

Fwiw Bateff Salvage in Santa Rosa has 2awg and 4awg wire in per/foot (less than $5/per for either) for anyone in the north bay or surrounding. I stop by whenever I can so TW express is an option. Both red/black available.

 

I have been researching the big 3 upgrade and will be doing it soon. For us second gens, the positive from the alternator to the battery actually goes from alternator - to fuse box - to battery right? All the references I've found (non-taco or older taco) only speak about alternator to battery.

@Chuy ? @Texoma?

been on tacomaworld every day for a year now. finally signed up to start asking questions and hopefully contribute.

 

I'm interested in knowing more about what people think about the big 3. Where are you sourcing parts for the big 3 upgrade @Taco-Obsessed ?

 

It's been a while since I've touched that wiring, but I think so, I'll tale a look sometime today.

 

You can get that wire from a welding supply store.

 

Yes, Alt wire goes to the alt-fuse in fuse box, then to the battery. A battery shop should be able to provide customized battery cables. I bought my own supply of wiring, connectors and a hydraulic crimper from Amazon - Crimp Supply provided most of the parts and their website has quite a selection of related parts.

 

I think it is a waste of time and is only good for a placebo effects at best.

 

I can't argue with the logic since I don't have any electrical background. What experience tells me is that these vehicles last a really long time just the way they were designed.

 

Until you add a winch and high output alternator, then its not placebo anymore.

 

Did you ever find a problem that burnt your original fuse or have you done a bunch of electrical add-ons upping the demand? What were you doing when it died? Did the Alt light just come on when it died?

 

@Taco-Obsessed I bought a 200-amp alt from eBay vendor bnrparts, an alt shop in Los Angeles, CA. They also make a 250-amp alt. I like that they don't require a core return. Also bought a 150-amp alt for daughter's 07 Corolla. I only have 15K on the 200-amp alt but is performing as expected. I added a 2nd battery in my engine compartment and made the following changes to my electrical wiring: replaced alt-fuse box wire with 1-0 AWG wire and routed the wire to a distribution block mounted on the driver-side fender; from there I attached two 2 AWG wires: one goes to the fuse box and the other is fuse-protected and goes to the 2nd battery. I have a battery isolator somewhere in there - also upgraded the starter wiring.

 

Find a place that rebuilds pumps n motors and they may be able to rewind your alternator or know of a place that can rewind it.

 

That is a whole different topic...

 

Yup, way different than daily driver.