Aftermarket Battery Terminal Options (1 Viewer)
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Folks - figured I'd post about a solution I created. I upgraded to the Moroso 74098 terminals (which are a great deal at $65 for Made-in-USA terminals with all hardware), but, I didn't like the fact that there wasn't a positive terminal cover... So I fixed that!
These positive terminal covers are 3D printed out of a urethane material - which means they're flexible, oil/chemical resistant, and perfectly suited for the temperatures within an engine bay up near the battery. These zip tie securely around the fusible link assembly, and then wrap under the front of the terminal - securing in place nicely.
There are cutouts that still allow you to use the 3/8" and 5/16" posts on the top of the terminal, along with the two 1/4" posts on either side of the terminal while still protecting all exposed metal from shorts. The front top 1/4" terminal isn't exposed, but that could be modified if desired.
It does require minor trimming of the fusible link end for the 2003-2007 (just trimming off the legs of the "u" where it mounts to the terminal for best contact, last picture), but otherwise installation of these terminals are a breeze. Right now these will work for a 2003-2007, but if someone can provide some basic measurements on the 98-02s I can quickly create that design as well.
I'm selling these now for $20 shipped to your door for a positive cover - shoot me a message if interested!
These positive terminal covers are 3D printed out of a urethane material - which means they're flexible, oil/chemical resistant, and perfectly suited for the temperatures within an engine bay up near the battery. These zip tie securely around the fusible link assembly, and then wrap under the front of the terminal - securing in place nicely.
There are cutouts that still allow you to use the 3/8" and 5/16" posts on the top of the terminal, along with the two 1/4" posts on either side of the terminal while still protecting all exposed metal from shorts. The front top 1/4" terminal isn't exposed, but that could be modified if desired.
It does require minor trimming of the fusible link end for the 2003-2007 (just trimming off the legs of the "u" where it mounts to the terminal for best contact, last picture), but otherwise installation of these terminals are a breeze. Right now these will work for a 2003-2007, but if someone can provide some basic measurements on the 98-02s I can quickly create that design as well.
I'm selling these now for $20 shipped to your door for a positive cover - shoot me a message if interested!
Malleus
Far west of Siegen
I'm constantly amazed at how timely the posts here are; I had started down this rabbit hole just last week, and here are all the solutions I found after a solid week of searching, all in one place, all for just five minutes of browsing.
The next time a part fails on one of my trucks, I'm waiting two weeks before I even consider looking for a solution.
The next time a part fails on one of my trucks, I'm waiting two weeks before I even consider looking for a solution.
I grabbed those terminals last week actually. I did drill and tap the holes out so there are now 2 3/8-16 bolts at the top and 1 5/16 closer to the terminal but otherwise they look to be a good piece, they were way easier to get tight than my last set. I like the boots you did. Clean solution.
Sean
pdot
SILVER Star
Here's my setup with the cheap Amazon terminals mentioned way back by the original poster. Still seems a bit messy, but better than before.
I've had these for over a year and have held up well, but the fit to the battery terminals is not great.
Anyone know of a good cover/flap that can be cut to a custom shape? I maybe know a guy who shorted out a battery with a wrench one time.
I've had these for over a year and have held up well, but the fit to the battery terminals is not great.
Anyone know of a good cover/flap that can be cut to a custom shape? I maybe know a guy who shorted out a battery with a wrench one time.
If you're handy with some calipers, I'd be more than happy to design a positive terminal cover for ya. Would be the same price as my others - $20 shipped to your door.Here's my setup with the cheap Amazon terminals mentioned way back by the original poster. Still seems a bit messy, but better than before.
I've had these for over a year and have held up well, but the fit to the battery terminals is not great.
Anyone know of a good cover/flap that can be cut to a custom shape? I maybe know a guy who shorted out a battery with a wrench one time.
View attachment 3936622
I know that's more expensive than a mass-made Chinese cover, but still cheaper than melting something with a wrench.
- Thread starter
- #47
OP here - I can learn to be handy with the calipers - would love to buy the positive battery terminal from you.If you're handy with some calipers, I'd be more than happy to design a positive terminal cover for ya. Would be the same price as my others - $20 shipped to your door.
I know that's more expensive than a mass-made Chinese cover, but still cheaper than melting something with a wrench.
I'll shoot you a message!
Where can I get some big ass terminal covers??
I have Slee terminals and haven’t been able to find something remotely big enough even though I have the smaller Slee ones.
I’ve tried these
I have Slee terminals and haven’t been able to find something remotely big enough even though I have the smaller Slee ones.
I’ve tried these
I'll extend the same offer! If you're handy with some calipers and can get me some measurements I can absolutely design a cover for the Slee terminals. I've only been making the positive thus far, since the negative is connected to every other piece of metal in the frame, but if you wanted a negative cover too that's easy.
2001LC
SILVER Star
A few key points, I think are important to note with stock or aftermarket batteries & terminals:
Acid well work its way into fusible link.
- Clean battery and area with a solution of baking soda and water, to neutralize acid. Annually!
- Clean battery post and clamp of all oxidation. I'm old school and use white lithium grease on those points. Note: Toyota recommends; Do not use grease.
- Keep all connection sung. Checking annually!
- Make sure battery is securely tied down.
- Make sure acid hasn't reach into fusible link and its wire housing plugs. Clean and or replace as needed.
- Keep insulation cover, on all exposed metal of positive side of battery terminal. Reduces risk of fire.
- Keep battery fully charge at all times.
Acid well work its way into fusible link.
awesomeissquid
SILVER Star
Hey @2001LC, is it normal for a good battery/charging system to regularly build up oxidation like that which needs to be cleaned off annually or do you see it as a sign that the charging system/battery has an issue somewhere?
2001LC
SILVER Star
Any battery that is not sealed, will build up acid and oxidation. Regardless of charging system.
Some batteries are sealed and have very high grade post. They usually do not need cleaning or build up oxidation (at least not, that I've seen)
Some batteries are sealed and have very high grade post. They usually do not need cleaning or build up oxidation (at least not, that I've seen)
sleeoffroad
Supporting Vendor
We have redesigned the covers and they will be going into production. The previous version became to expensive to produce and have a viable product to sell. We will have both positive and negative terminal covers.
Sign me up
LJE: Just started looking at terminals to handle some additional wiring and I like that I could get your covers for these. Do all your cutouts open towards the back where the fusible link is? I'm worried that the only way to get wire, especially a large gauge to the 3/8" post (which I need), is to have it come out more to the side. To access the 1/4" on the side it might also be an option to use a 90 degree terminal like these:
For example look at this example of the negative terminal on an 80 series using the same Moroso block:
Is your cover large enough to accommodate something like that if the user cut out necessary holes? Also wondering how you trimmed the "u" legs at the end of the fusible link?
Thanks!
Great questions!
Currently, all exits points from the cover are indeed towards the back - see picture below. The only terminal that isn't accessible is the top 1/4" connection that's next to the actual battery terminal (in the 80 series photo you posted as an example, it's the top lug with the wires coming forward). The material I use on these terminal covers is easy to cut/trim with a decent pair of side cutters though, so if you needed to cut it away to allow a side exit that wouldn't be an issue. Let me know if you'd like more photos!
I also have a negative terminal cover designed now as well, but (imo) it's not as useful considering everything metal around the battery is already grounded. However, for those folks that would like a set it's available!
I also have completed & validated the design for the Moroso terminal blocks with the 98-02 fusible link assembly too, so those are also available now too.
Here it is installed on my truck.
I used a flap disk to trim the 90s on the fusible link.
I used a flap disk to trim the 90s on the fusible link.
Thanks for sharing that! I used a set of aviation snips on the legs of the 'u' for mine (sorry, realized I forgot to answer that portion of the question!)
