Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Anyone have know where to get battery cables?

[icman95]

I have a friend with a 1994 12v who needs to replace all the battery cables due to corrosion. They are easy enough to find new, but Mother Mopar wants more than the price of several barrels of oil for them. I checked ebay for some listings, but couldn't find much. I was wondering if anyone knew of a truck being parted out with cables in good condition. I also check the dodgeparts website and they are discounted over other dealers, but still pricey.



TIA,



Ken

 

[CTaylor]

Try this guy Heavy Duty, Aftermarket, Custom Battery Cables for your Car, Truck or RV , his cables are custom made and way better (bigger) than the factory crap. I plan on replacing the cables on all of my vehicles that I plan to keep with his as the factory ones wear out

 

[icman95]

Thanks. That's a great start. I forwarded the site to my friend. I'll see what happens.



I'll also take suggestions on used ones if anyone has them.

 

[MAleshire]

You might try this website: Dodge Battery Cables from CustomBatteryCables.com. They make quality cables, but they are pricey and beyond my price range. I ended up building my own cables after using the old ones as a pattern, partcularly for length. You may be able to salvage some of the materials from what you already have. I'd recommend using military type lugs as they allow connecting and disconnecting cables and wires without actually removing the terminals from the battery. I used the following website to order the parts I needed: Download Catalog. I'm not an expert mechanic, and most of what I do know came from getting help from guys here on TDR. What I'm saying is that making your own cables isn't rocket science, doesn't require a lot of tools, and is a lot less expensive than buying ones that are ready made. I ended up with cables that are better than factory at a fraction of the cost.



Skip

 

[icman95]

Thanks. Funny you should mention making your own. That was my first suggestion to my friend. My idea was a bit simpler, maybe too simple. I said go get the biggest set of jumper cables you can find, cut the ends off, and replace them with battery terminals. Presto! You're done! He's an engineer so that didn't go over so well, but at least you have to give me an "A" for effort!

 

[CEdwards]

I got mine at a tractor supply, it's a chain like country general, or atwoods. Some kind of farm supply store in your area may have different lengths made up. The ones I got at tractor supply, if I remember right cost around $80 or $90 total for all four. It's been maintenance free since replacing, new ones seem to work better and don't get corroded like old wore out ones.

 

[MAleshire]

I'd sure check out the farm supply store idea. The price really sounds good. I think I spent about $80 to buy the components to make my own. The heavy cable is what is really expensive. I also called a couple welding supply stores for cable prices. The biggest improvement for mine was the use of the military lugs. No more loose terminals. The other thing I am really sold on is the use of heavy duty marine shrink tubing. The shrink tubing made for a professional looking job, and sealed everything up tight which helps prevent corrosion.



Skip

 

[icman95]

Thanks, guys. This is all great info and suggestions. I have given it all to my friend and will see what happens. We have a Tractor Supply in the next town over, so that would be no problem. The only obstacle to building it instead of buying them already made is the time it takes to do it. I know it's not too long, but time is short on his schedule. Once I know which way it goes I'll let you know.



BTW: I didn't realize until just now that I typed the title of this thread like this "Anyone have know where to get battery cables?" Not sure why I did it with the "have" in there. It makes me sound like an idiot. I'm not an idiot. Just ask my wife. She says I'm a moron!:-laf



I'm pretty happy that I have this info now, in case I need to do a replacement on mine, also.



Thanks again,



Ken

 

[mtarcher1]

Go to your local auto electric shop (the guys who rebuild alternators etc). They'll have everything to make the cables and will make them for you. Keep it local, get it done right, and get it done when you need it.

 

[icman95]

That's an idea I would never have thought of. There is a guy in the next town over who does that sort of stuff. I used to go to him to rebuild the starter and alt. from my 1970 Chrysler Newport, but it's been long time since I've had it, so I forgot about him.



Thanks

 

[WDixon27]

i rebuilt mine with lugs on the ends for these clamps, the soldered on lugs pass more power and help seal up the cable ends from acid intrusion, they also give more stud for add on goodies to fit under the nuts, i used some of the factory cables and replaced others with welding lead and other cables depending on position and load



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