Relocated batteries

[BRobertson]

I recently relocated my batteries to an aluminum box I built and mounted under the UTE bed. I went with 3 blue top marine deep cycles.

I used 2/0 welding cable for the 12v and ground and routed to terminal boxes under the hood.

I also upgraded my headlight wiring to all 10gauge, including the factory plugs, and ran each light off its own relay.



I weighed everything I removed:

Factory bumper, Warn transformer grill guard and mount, 2 redtop Optimas, etc. 200lbs



Replaced with:

ARB bumper 140lbs.



A net loss of approx. 60 lbs from the front axle.



The 3 Optimas and box weigh approx 150 lbs and place the weight where it belongs, in back!!



I used a Guest brand marine battery switch ( 600 amp continuous, 1000amp 5 min) mounted onthe box so I can turn everything off and routed the cable thru dual 250 amp fuses for protection.



Bob

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Sounds like a pretty sweet conversion.



Just remember - Now that you relocated your batteries from the OEM location..... if you drag race you'll need a shut off switch that is easily reached near the back of the truck.



Matt

 

[Seed Guy]

PICS MAN PICS!

 

[Dane]

Yeah, what Seed Guy said!



Also, more details on the battery ground lead attachment points please...

 

[BRobertson]

The ground 2/0 cable is routed from the batteries up the frame rail, onto a terminal block on the co-pilot side where the battery used to be. The factory ground leading to the engine block, and the smaller gauge wires that originally went to the battery are connected to this terminal block.

Another 2/0 cable (actually 2 cables counting the 12v one) goes from the terminal block, in front of the radiator(replacing the factory 12v cable) and to another terminal block that is mounted where the pilot side battery used to be. The ground cable from the starter and all the smaller wires that originally went to the battery ground, go there.



I'm working on some photos.



Bob

 

[yemyak1]

I have also relocated batteries on my '98 and have this question. What did you do concerning the plunger-type switch/sensor located under passenger-side battery? I am told by dealer that this is a temp sensor but they were vague is to its purpose.

 

[rfcom]

From the 02 manual

The BTS is used to determine the battery temperature

and control battery charging rate. This temperature

data, along with data from monitored line

voltage, is used by the PCM to vary the battery

charging rate. System voltage will be higher at colder

temperatures and is gradually reduced at warmer

temperatures.

The PCM sends 5 volts to the sensor and is

grounded through the sensor return line. As temperature

increases, resistance in the sensor decreases

and the detection voltage at the PCM increases.

The BTS is also used for OBD II diagnostics. Certain

faults and OBD II monitors are either enabled

or disabled, depending upon BTS input (for example,

disable purge and enable Leak Detection Pump

(LDP) and O2 sensor heater tests). Most OBD II

monitors are disabled below 20°F.

 

[Josparkz]

What are you going to do with all the space under the hood now ?