1/0 battery cable write up?
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 621
Likes: 2
From: Seattle, WA
1/0 battery cable write up?
The factory cable from the alternator is a weak link in the electrical system on Jeeps, especially when you add stereos, auxiliary lighting, winches, etc. Tommorow I will be installing 1/0 awg cable. If anyone is interested I can do a write up. Moderately curious why this isn't a more popular mod.
JK Junkie
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,297
Likes: 8
From: Cabot, Ar.
There are many threads on up-grading the entire charging and grounding systems. But just simply replacing wires for Bigger isn't necessarily an up-grade. #1 - It is a properly designed electrical system. And #2 - The system is designed as a supliment to the battery and simply will not power the Jeep alone. So unless you have future plans to also up-grade the alternator. And all the grounds. Then save yourself some trouble.
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 621
Likes: 2
From: Seattle, WA
Ahh, but here is where you are mistaken. A vehicle is designed to run off of the alternator, with the battery in the circuit to supply a reserve source for heavy loads. With the 140 amp alternator, the 8 awg cable that's on it from the factory isn't even close. 73 amps. So where are the benefits of the extra 67 amps? The grounding cable will be upgraded as well.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: MA
I agree. The "BIG 3" upgrade is a very popular mod for anyone running an additional heavy load on the vehicle's stock (and upgraded) electrical system.
Mine:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/37094786@N02/5677594033/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/37094786@N02/5678151376/
Mine:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/37094786@N02/5677594033/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/37094786@N02/5678151376/
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
From: MT. AIRY, MD
Please do a "How To".
This will be my next "upgrade", but I'm not sure what to use, where to get it or where exactly to connect everything. The last real stereo upgrade I did myself was in 1995 to my 1994 Ranger. It did rock though!
Thanks,
Gary
This will be my next "upgrade", but I'm not sure what to use, where to get it or where exactly to connect everything. The last real stereo upgrade I did myself was in 1995 to my 1994 Ranger. It did rock though!
Thanks,
Gary
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 2
From: Calgary, AB
Ah yes the Big 3 upgrade as it's usually called. Was thinking about getting this done on the JK. I did this on my car a while back and it did a fair improvement.
If you can do a write up that would be awesome. I find them very helpful
If you can do a write up that would be awesome. I find them very helpful
JK Junkie
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,297
Likes: 8
From: Cabot, Ar.
Ahh, but here is where you are mistaken. A vehicle is designed to run off of the alternator, with the battery in the circuit to supply a reserve source for heavy loads. With the 140 amp alternator, the 8 awg cable that's on it from the factory isn't even close. 73 amps. So where are the benefits of the extra 67 amps? The grounding cable will be upgraded as well.
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JK Junkie
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,297
Likes: 8
From: Cabot, Ar.
You don't mind if I don't take your word for it! 
Post #63 in this thread.
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...-problem/page7
Post #63 in this thread.
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...-problem/page7