I haven't had a chance to tear into my 99 F-150 yet, but I thought I might ask around to make the install easier rather than figuring it out on my own.

I recently became the proud owner of an MTX 8302 amp, and I am definately excited to see what this thing can do. Anyway, I am going to be running the 4 gauge positive cable from the battery to someplace in the back. Anyone know the best spot to send the cable from the engine compartment into the cab?

Thanks
Steve

 

On my 1998 Xcab I ran my 8 gauge wire through a rubber grommet which is several inches above my throttle pedal in the firewall. There is a factory cable running through this grommet so it was easy to slide the power cable in alongside it. Look under your dash in the area I mentioned and see if there is an access area somewhere from the factory.

Mike

 

I ran mine on the passengers side. I preffered this side because the battery is located on that side. I use a piece of stiff wire to pull the cable through the side of the kick panel. There is a rubber grommet where the antenna cables comes in.

Don't run the audio rca cable with the power cable, it might case engine noise.

 

I put a wire protector on my 4ga power cable, and ran it down between the firewall and fender liner, behind the battery. It comes out under the truck, then goes to a 3/4 or 1 inch grommet under the passenger side door sill. It works out really well that way, because it comes up through the floor into the groove created by the rocker panel. From there I just ran it under the door sill, around the back seat bracket, and to the amp. For the grommet, you just need to trim a hole into it to make room for the cable, it's easier to pull the grommet out for this. After I ran the cable through, I thoroughly sealed it with Black RTV silicone, top and bottom. It seems a little involved, but it really makes for clean install, especially with all the plugs and wiring behind the passenger side kick panel. The grommet I am talking about might be used for something on the 4x4 models, not sure ,,,,98

 

I did the same thing as 98Screamer. From the battery to the firewall, then down, under the passenger side tie-wrapping to existing wiring and into a rubber grommet close to the back seat on the side. Don't forget to also run a 4 gauge ground cable along with the positive cable as the ground straps on the cab aren't that great and it will be the weakest link in your electrical system. Remember electricity runs in a closed loop. What goes in must come out so-to-speak.

Through a contact in the car audio industry I have a chance to pickup a refurbished US Acoustics USX1000F amplifier (1000wrms 4 ohms mono) so I'm starting to wonder if my 4 gauge cables will be good enough. Oh well... we'll see. As far as I know it's a class A/B design but it must be nearly as efficient as class D because the fuse rating is only 60A.

Don't forget to add an inline fuse or circuit breaker at the batter in case your vehicle gets t-boned (prevent a fire if wires short).

 

Here's mine, 4ga power wire, fuse, and upgraded ground. Most auto parts stores carrry 2ga. ground cables much cheaper than stereo shops.. I used a Stinger terminal, and just cut the battery end off to install it. The other end I piggybacked to the starter.,,,,98

http://www.f150world.com/showownerpi...s=1&album=6772

http://www.f150world.com/showownerpi...s=1&album=6772

 

ditto for me!