Hello all. Trying to sort out the wiring in a 1986 22r 4x4 pickup. Want to do things right and replace the fusible link (labeled 2.0L on the wiring diagram) that the previous owner had deleted but can't seem to dig up a definitive answer of what gauge and length it should be. I know the go 4 gauges lower rule of thumb but can't rightly trust that the wires on either side are proper oem gauge (appear to be 8ga currently). To be fully clear I'm asking about the fusible link wire between the positive battery terminal and the fuse box

I'm for sure open to alternatives like a circuit breaker but my understanding is the fusible link wire is a bit more forgiving for spikes and whatnot. Also considered the potentially cleaner/simpler option of bolt on "fuse links" but unclear on if these share those same attributes that the wire has or are in fact more prone to blowing under current spikes.

I also did swap to a 90amp GM style alternator wired as a 3 wire but my understanding there is that wired that way it should only provide the current the system demands. Not planning any big upgrades. just running an AFR Tach and possibly (some day) electronic cruise control (rather than vacuum operated) and all those will be run off of 1 switched power and 1 constant hot aux fuse blocks.

Any partial intel (like the stock systems overall amps) that move closer would also be great

Any wisdom is greatly appreciated. I bit new to all this stuff so patience and simplicity are also appreciated haha. First time poster but scanning this forum has gotten me through a lot on this project. Thanks in advance!

 

hi I would never think of going underneath that fuse box.






Tutuapp 9Apps

 

I definitely wouldn’t have if it wasn’t necessary. Unfortunately previous owner was neither afraid of doing that nor bothered to figure out what he was doing

The specific thing I’m asking about in this thread is outside the fuse box though. Should be a lighter gauge wire spliced between the battery and the fuse box

 

Finally think I found the answer buried in another thread. Leaving here for future folks. Best I can figure this is the fusible link mentioned above but definitely do your own research.

slow blow circuit breaker’s are a thing.

 

Some people buy fusible wire and recrimp onto that plate that goes to the underside of the fuse block.
i bought one for a newer 22RE (RN101 iirc) but fit fine, just the wire was a bit longer.