Anyone local to StL? Big 3 help needed

[TJM]

Any St Louis members here that have experience with the Big 3 mod?

I have a catastrophically crappy negative cable that sorely needs replacing. The wire is corroded and the clamp is the wrong size, I think. It doesn't fit the terminal well and frequently pops off or makes a bad enough connection that I have to clamp it on with some battery cables just to get the vehicle started.

I'm tired of resetting my radio channels, dammit!

So since I need to replace part of the cable I thought I might as well go ahead and do the whole Big 3 mod, but electrical is not my forte.

If there's anyone that can lend a hand I'd be glad to compensate you for the time. I really need to get this fixed.

I might have a work shop we can use depending on outside factors, otherwise it would be a street side project.

 

[yella]

Not close to you and have not done this mod, but...i believe someone here makes a kit for the BIG3. Pretty much take a wire out and put a wire in. I think.
Try the search function for the mod.


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[Gulah]

Any St Louis members here that have experience with the Big 3 mod?

I have a catastrophically crappy negative cable that sorely needs replacing. The wire is corroded and the clamp is the wrong size, I think. It doesn't fit the terminal well and frequently pops off or makes a bad enough connection that I have to clamp it on with some battery cables just to get the vehicle started.

I'm tired of resetting my radio channels, dammit!

So since I need to replace part of the cable I thought I might as well go ahead and do the whole Big 3 mod, but electrical is not my forte.

If there's anyone that can lend a hand I'd be glad to compensate you for the time. I really need to get this fixed.

I might have a work shop we can use depending on outside factors, otherwise it would be a street side project.

FWIW I would suggest leaving the positive side alone if there's nothing wrong with it and you are keeping your stock alternator, especially if electrical isn't your forte. There are safety considerations/trade-offs.

I'm just getting to the electrical stage of a large build. I had ordered all the parts and planned on doing the big 3 properly. Upon closer examination I decided to forego disrupting the OEM positive side wiring, other than a new battery terminal. As far as upgrading/repairing your ground, it's pretty easy and straightforward. I moved the stock block ground cable to the fender, added a line from block near alternator to negative terminal, added battery to fender, and removed the thin OEM battery to fender wire. I used 4awg welding cable with crimped lugs and solder, but that's probably overkill unless you're running a lot of power hungry accessories.

Just my .02, good luck.

 

[TJM]

The positive side is okay but I’d certainly like to upgrade the terminal. I’m fine with leaving that part be but the negative side has got to go.

 

[octanejunkie]

The positive side is okay but I’d certainly like to upgrade the terminal. I’m fine with leaving that part be but the negative side has got to go.

The negative wire is easy as it only has 2 connections off the battery, one to the driver side fender next to the battery and the other on the engine block just below the oil filter.

4-GA welding wire will work as a stock replacement wire, but most upgrade to 2-GA wire if upgrading alt or circuits.

You can get replacement battery terminals at any auto parts store

Doing just the neg is easy, and to do it cleanly (removing the old and inserting the new) you will have to open the main power loom that runs down the side of the battery

Get all your supplies ready, go slow and take your time. You can do this.

 

[Kanoe]

The positive side is okay but I’d certainly like to upgrade the terminal. I’m fine with leaving that part be but the negative side has got to go.

The positive side terminal is actually a pretty nice set up from factory. But in time they do stretch, break and generally fall apart. The battery post to stud terminal part is replaceable of course. You can get it at your Toyota dealer, but you can also get the exact same piece at Nissan for 1/3 of the price. It looks to be identical to me, both of my cars have new Nissan terminals. $30 CAD at Toyota, $10 at Nissan. Very likely comes from the same factory somewhere.

 

[habanero]

I am local-ish to the area but haven't done the big3 so not much help so far as experience goes. Mo4wd member?

 

[TJM]

I am local-ish to the area but haven't done the big3 so not much help so far as experience goes. Mo4wd member?

Of course! Haven't asked over there yet but I'm sure they'd be down to help. I just figured since I was replacing the negative cable I should do the whole thing. Sounds like that might not be the best idea though. For now I'm good with just fixing the problem at hand.

 

[habanero]

Of course! Haven't asked over there yet but I'm sure they'd be down to help. I just figured since I was replacing the negative cable I should do the whole thing. Sounds like that might not be the best idea though. For now I'm good with just fixing the problem at hand.

Not sure when the next mod day is, you'd have a captive audience then.
I think about if I really need or want the big 3, look at the stuffed to the gills corner engine bay, unthink about it.
Nice thing about the negative cable is the other end is right there bolted to near the bottom of the block.