positive battery cable replaceable?

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Dustert73

Stripping bolts since ‘10
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I'm dealing with an ongoing issue with the positive battery cable that to runs down to the starter being too short. And after swapping to a Dakota starter, it forced my hand, and I had to do a sketchy splice to lengthen it temporarily to get it moving under its own power again.

Now for the question, is there any reason I can't go to let's say Walmart and buy a long generic replacement negative battery cable and use it as a positive wire replacing the existing one in there now? Like is there any differences aside from color? Im fine with crimping different connectors on the ends. I don't have the money to throw down on a 100$+ direct replacement cable unfortunately.
 
no problem at all. i got the two cables on jamies dart from napa for like 20 dollars. asked for a 340 70 dart battery cables..
 
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Now for the question, is there any reason I can't go to let's say Walmart and buy a long generic replacement negative battery cable and use it as a positive wire replacing the existing one in there now? --
-- Go to AUTOZONE, or Napa etc., and get a red colored one. They come in various lengths.
 
Sure can. If the battery end is in good shape asve it. Go to Wal Mart or the parts store and get a cable that you can add to the end of your present cable to make it long enough. The spliced pieces will be down by the starter and not as noticeable. Make sure you make a solid soldered splice covered with electrical tape or better yet shrink tube. Remember, any splice will cause resistance and could cause cranking problems. A single cable would be the best bet.
 
The Walmart stuff is junk. Get something decent at NAPA, or your local real auto parts store. Not the kind that has the screw-on ends either. Pre-made to the right length is the only kind that are any good.
 
If I remember correctly, one of the post is a slightly larger diameter. Clamp size may also be slightly different too. If splicing, I'd go with split bolts.
 
I have some extra 2 ga here if you need a cable made up let me know.
 
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