Big 3 Upgrade +

I decided to swap out my busted up engine fusebox with a replacement I got at a yard ($50). Very same year and same numbers on the fuse box. While doing this I opted to also do a regular Big 3 upgrade with 4 gauge power wire from KnuKoncepts. I love their wire because it is so flexible and their prices are very reasonable.

These are pics of my busted up fuse box all three portions of it were heavily damaged/cracked but I'm only showing you the middle portion. I soldered and shrink wrapped every wire I spliced. The only ones left were the jumper wires that I didn't need to cut or splice.




Unfortunately when I ordered I ordered 4-0 gauge black ground wire. It was ridiculously massive. So I didn't get to complete the Big 3. I promptly ordered the correct wire today and it should be an easy fix later. But it sure did burn my feelings having to put back the original ground to the block.

Anyhow, here is what the 2/3 of the Big 3 looks like. Yes I removed the old OEM power wire because I hate old stiff ass wire. I did have to gently file the entrance hole to allow the 4 gauge wire to fit in. Only need a little filing. The exit portion after the 80 amp fuse required no filing and the wire fit like a glove (just barely).



I did eventually finish with the ground wires so it is all done now.

 

@Mikerocosms
I am about to do this.

can you confirm it is:
alt pos to battery pos
alt pos to fuse box to battery pos
battery neg to frame
battery neg to engine ground

could you of used smaller gauged wire? Or is 4 gauge the smallest possible for the fusebox?

 

Yes, anything larger than the OEM gauge is going to see an improvement so long as all the connections are solid.

 

Thanks @Arries289
I understand that. What I want to know is if you can FIT larger wire (smaller gauge) into the fuse box. I've read some had trouble fitting larger wire than 4 gauge into the fuse box. I think it may not be much room to do so? I want to go 0 or 1/0 all around, but don't want to order it and then open it up and not be able to fit it. I know it will work everywhere else.

 

*EDIT Alt pos went to fuse box back corner (This goes through an 80amp fuse for your alt, all other fuses branch off this as well)
Battery Pos to fuse box front corner (had to file/shave just a bit for 4awg to fit)
Battery Pos directly to starter (beware! - connect starter side first then battery)

Battery Neg to body
Battery Neg to Engine block
Engine block Neg to body

What I used just barely fit with a little tweaking (shaving/filing) of the box.

 

Great, Thank you!

 

I think I'm ready to order my parts. One thing I am still am unclear is where the engine block neg to body is? any pictures?

I think I am going to get 0 AWG gauge for everything except the alt pos - fuse box and fuse box - battery pos where I will use 4 AWG. Does anyone see a problem with this route of using both gauges? I'll be going through Knukconcepts to get the OFC wire. I really appreciate the responses and guidance.I should of signed up to tacomaworld a long time ago.

 

OTOH it's by the starter

 

Engine block neg to body is on the firewall behind your engine (about the middle rear). Pretty skinny wire that is fairly difficult to replace.

Just in case your wondering the battery neg to body is on the inner fender right next to the negative terminal. You probably only need about 4 or 5 inches of neg cable to make the leap.



I fixed my answers above, it should make more sense now.

 

That one is the battery neg to engine block.

 

Thanks @Mikerocosms
Got in there today and traced all my wires and got a feel for what I need to do. You said you removed the old positive wires. Did you take whole harness out and take it apart to do so? Mine is all wrapped up with various materials. I removed enough to trace but it seems my only option is to just add to it or remove and rebuild the harness.

I also have a small black wire running along and connected to my batt neg - eng block(starter) ground. You can see it where the rusty red tape is (few inches from my starter pos - pos battery with the green tape).


plus a small ground wire near my alternator connected to the frame that comes out of the harness.
these are connected to each other right?

I'm guessing the fuse box, alternator, and starter plugs are all connected too, right?

I like that you didnt leave the old wires in, so I want to do the same. Two kids, two jobs, 1 wife.. blah blah.. cant afford to have the truck out for more than a day, so trying to remove the unknowns now.

 

Something to keep in mind, I believe he did this to a first gen taco. So things he encountered likely won't be 100% the same if you're working on a different gen.

 

Thanks for pointing that out. Didnt catch that. I am picking up an Engine Battery Wire Harness No 2 tomorrow. I'll take it apart carefully and upgrade my wires and reuse the plugs and attachments. Then just swap out the entire harness. I can post pictures and details if anyone is interested. Appreciate all the responses I have got back all. Love Tacomaworld.