Strategies for upgrading electrical circuits

violation said:
Link for info.
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[MENTION=125434]violation[/MENTION] Very nice install! How/where did you go through the firewall?

TCLLC said:
here is an overview of what I did, only one light hooked up so far, but more to come. not as nice as the post above, but as I mentioned, I wanted it separate from everything (I did clean it up after the photos to get rid of the water spots)
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[MENTION=211118]TCLLC[/MENTION] That looks really nice! Can you provide some specs on the items you used, and how you went through the firewall?

kolelt said:
Here is how I did my electrical. Started with a Bussmann 10 relay box. Basically 10 relays in one clean organized box. I divided the box into 2. ...
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[MENTION=99565]kolelt[/MENTION] That is quite the project, thanks for documenting it. I have a couple of questions:

- how did you go through the firewall?
- can you provide a link to the Bussman box you used?
- In this Bussman relay box, there appear to be two fuses for every relay. Are these prewired in any way (e.g. one fuse is for energizing the relay, the other is for the relay load)? Or do you have to do your own wiring inside the box?
 
4Runner4Leon said:
[MENTION=125434]How/where did you go through the firewall?


and how you went through the firewall?


how did you go through the firewall?
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Ok. Looks like where and how to penetrate the firewall might be your biggest concern at this point. lol

You have an auto correct? Do you ever plan on converting to a 5speed?

If that answer is no you can use the clutch pedal area. Pull back the carpet from the drivers side and you'll see what I'm talking about. It's an easy place to access and worked out very well for me. I have LOTS of wiring going through it.

I used a DayStar firewall boot. There nice because the opening can be made larger if/when you decide to add more accessories. You'll need an 1 1/4" hole saw and a drill to make the hole. Then the boot just slips in like a grommet.

For main power I used a Bussman 100A breaker and a 100A relay wired to an add a fuse on slot 7 of the in cab fuse box. That kills all my accessories unless the key is in the on position. These are mounted to the fender behind the battery with a piece of acrylic and some self tappers.

I used a Blue Sea 12 w/negative as my accessory box. It's mounted to the factory fuse box. I also ran 5 relays that are mounted on an acrylic board I made under the hood against the firewall.

I'm sure this all sounds confusing as hell but it's really easy once you get a plan together.
 
theesotericone said:
Ok. Looks like where and how to penetrate the firewall might be your biggest concern at this point. lol

You have an auto correct? Do you ever plan on converting to a 5speed?

If that answer is no you can use the clutch pedal area. Pull back the carpet from the drivers side and you'll see what I'm talking about. It's an easy place to access and worked out very well for me. I have LOTS of wiring going through it.

I used a DayStar firewall boot. There nice because the opening can be made larger if/when you decide to add more accessories. You'll need an 1 1/4" hole saw and a drill to make the hole. Then the boot just slips in like a grommet.

For main power I used a Bussman 100A breaker and a 100A relay wired to an add a fuse on slot 7 of the in cab fuse box. That kills all my accessories unless the key is in the on position. These are mounted to the fender behind the battery with a piece of acrylic and some self tappers.

I used a Blue Sea 12 w/negative as my accessory box. It's mounted to the factory fuse box. I also ran 5 relays that are mounted on an acrylic board I made under the hood against the firewall.

I'm sure this all sounds confusing as hell but it's really easy once you get a plan together.
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Thanks man, appreciate the response! I do have auto, and no plans for a 5spd, so that sounds like a good plan. Do you mean the existing location that [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION] mentioned in his video, circled below? Or drill a new hole in the firewall?



I found the Daystar boot, that seems to be a popular choice. And for the Bussman, do you mean this one - https://smile.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-B...8&qid=1523797159&sr=1-11&keywords=blue+sea+12

So from the layout standpoint, your 100A circuit breaker, 100A relay, Bussman fuse box, and relay block are all mounted under the hood. And the 100A relay is triggered by the ACC fuse tap inside the truck, correct? Any chance you have a photo of this setup? :)

Do you go positive or negative switched accessories? i.e. positive from battery to switch then to relay trigger, or positive to relay trigger then relay ground to switch to ground? I just haven't thought through which approach is easier to implement, so hoping to learn from others.
 
4Runner4Leon said:
Very nice work, and gives some great tips. Do you find the fuses and circuit breaker reasonably easy to get to, tucked behind the brake booster?
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You can get at them. The engine bay on 2000 is so cluttered already so it fits right in. I like how others put a plate up top and that looks great but you would still have to remove the plate to get at things under it for access. with this technique I really shouldn't have to move it at all.

I noodled it for a long time. how often do you really need to access the fuses? usually just to check or if your adding something. When I was adding it I removed the EVAP, super easy just 3 bolts and a couple of vacuum hoses, couple of electric connectors.

the only thing that I really need to get at is the fuse and it's accessible. I can reach down and reset it or trip it.
 
sleepydad said:
You can get at them. The engine bay on 2000 is so cluttered already so it fits right in. I like how others put a plate up top and that looks great but you would still have to remove the plate to get at things under it for access. with this technique I really shouldn't have to move it at all.

I noodled it for a long time. how often do you really need to access the fuses? usually just to check or if your adding something. When I was adding it I removed the EVAP, super easy just 3 bolts and a couple of vacuum hoses, couple of electric connectors.

the only thing that I really need to get at is the fuse and it's accessible. I can reach down and reset it or trip it.
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Makes sense to me. You always do good work in your projects, I really enjoy your writeups (and wonder where you find the time! :). Maybe if I spent less time at the junkyards I'd find the time too).
 
4Runner4Leon said:
Thanks man, appreciate the response! I do have auto, and no plans for a 5spd, so that sounds like a good plan. Do you mean the existing location that [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION] mentioned in his video, circled below? Or drill a new hole in the firewall?
Click to expand...

Drill a new hole. You have to remove the charcoal can to do it. I'll attach a few photos I have. I need to find a new photo host. Both Google Photos and Imgur can suck it. More about that rant later in my thread. lol

The order of my system goes like this:

Battery to Bussman 100A Breaker.
Breaker to 100A Relay.
100A Relay to Blue Sea Fuse box. Relay to add a circuit on 10A swiched Turn fuse in cab.
Blue sea to 40A relays.
40A relays to after market accesories. 40A relays to in cab rocker switches.
All grounds on the SAME circuit get tied together and connected to blue sea box. That makes future ground issues easier to track down.

I pre-wired 5 40A relays. 3 are in use.
[MENTION=57546]4-Ripcord[/MENTION] didn't have his electrical plate made for the 97 yet. If he had I probably would have just purchased that from him. My way does hide hide the 100a stuff behind the battery though.

Here's a few photos to help you get the idea.
 

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[MENTION=211118]TCLLC[/MENTION] That looks really nice! Can you provide some specs on the items you used, and how you went through the firewall?

Did you get your answer? if not I can try to take pictures for you tonight, not sure if I even can
 
TCLLC said:
[MENTION=211118]TCLLC[/MENTION] That looks really nice! Can you provide some specs on the items you used, and how you went through the firewall?

Did you get your answer? if not I can try to take pictures for you tonight, not sure if I even can
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No worries, I have enough ideas on the firewall thing, thank you. I'm still digesting some of the ideas above, including the Aussie video :). No doubt I'll have more questions once I'm done.
 
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Sorry, I'm a bit slow reading through all these suggestions, but they are very much appreciated.

[MENTION=143526]theesotericone[/MENTION], why did you decide to go with a separate Bussman fuse box and then make your own relay block, instead of using a Bussman combination fuse/relay box, like I see mentioned in other places. Was it cost, flexibility, or something else?
 
4Runner4Leon said:
Sorry, I'm a bit slow reading through all these suggestions, but they are very much appreciated.

[MENTION=143526]theesotericone[/MENTION], why did you decide to go with a separate Bussman fuse box and then make your own relay block, instead of using a Bussman combination fuse/relay box, like I see mentioned in other places. Was it cost, flexibility, or something else?
Click to expand...


Flexibility was the main reason. I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted to do and the combo unit didn't fit that bill as well as making my own system. I like to tinker and making my own system also was just more fun for me.
 
theesotericone said:
Flexibility was the main reason. I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted to do and the combo unit didn't fit that bill as well as making my own system. I like to tinker and making my own system also was just more fun for me.
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I hear you. I like tinkering too, so I see the benefits of a DIY system, in addition to building it exactly how you want it. I'm still pondering if I can make use of the 4 relay 4 fuse Corolla box I grabbed at the junkyard.
 
Hopeless Diamond said:
I'm sure this has been linked to many times here, but this is an incredibly detailed write up of building your own Bussman RTMR fuse/relay block. Part #'s, tools, sources, etc from Tacoma World

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-build-and-install-a-bussmann-rtmr-fuse-relay-block.399454/
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This is a fascinating read, much appreciated. But quite expensive to put together on your own, not to mention the time. And the pre-made e-bay unit essentially gives you five relays and five fuse circuits. I think that the 4-relay 4-fuse used Corolla box would give me a similar functionality, including being waterproof, for about $20.

Like theesotericone, I also like the tinkering, and may end up going that route for the fuse/relay box. So maybe use the Corolla waterproof box in the engine compartment for the front end items (lights, etc), and a simpler fuse/relay box in the interior for the heated seats, mirrors, etc.
 
4Runner4Leon said:
That was very interesting and "out of the box". Thanks! But a bit above my budget (since it costs about as much as my truck did :)).
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I just ordered the redarch BCDC 20 amp DC to DC charger today. the AU are so far ahead of us in this respect. it's going to be my extra cargo spot mod. this way I should be able to run a dual battery with fridge in the back and it will actually work. :) maybe.
 
4Runner4Leon said:
[MENTION=125434]violation[/MENTION] Very nice install! How/where did you go through the firewall?



[MENTION=211118]TCLLC[/MENTION] That looks really nice! Can you provide some specs on the items you used, and how you went through the firewall?



[MENTION=99565]kolelt[/MENTION] That is quite the project, thanks for documenting it. I have a couple of questions:

- how did you go through the firewall?
- can you provide a link to the Bussman box you used?
- In this Bussman relay box, there appear to be two fuses for every relay. Are these prewired in any way (e.g. one fuse is for energizing the relay, the other is for the relay load)? Or do you have to do your own wiring inside the box?
Click to expand...

I went through the oem hole. Because I have 5 speed swap. I used this guy https://m.ebay.com/itm/Universal-Wa...903128?hash=item4b40defe58:g:2vQAAOSwe-FU6d9q to make me a custom 10 relay box rather than 5 relay. Each relay has 30amp fuse with corresponding fuse for the switch. Everything is prewired. Just extend the wires or have him make
It to your lenght. This should give you a good idea of the box

eBay
 
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