So I have a 1986 Ford f150, very basic but love the thing. Flat gray, has over drive for an automatic and has I believe the small block V8 in her. Here is my question, not too long ago the truck wouldnt start, I decided okay the battery was just dying since I dont use this vehicle very often, I recharged it and when i went to turn the key with a year old fully charged battery the beast went chuuu.......chuuu........chuuu like the started was trying to turn over but didnt have enough juice. So I replaced the stater w that off of an older Crown Vic with the same sized engine, but as soon as I did this i turn the key and nothing but the cab light dim to show a loss of amps...so here it is, what on earth do I do?

 

I've found through my own experience that these trucks are very finicky about the battery wires. First thing first, I'd like to recommend you completely replace both the positive and negative battery cables.

Replace the positive battery cable with a 2 gauge battery cable. It's a $6 part at advance auto if you have one near by.

Regarding the ground wire that goes from the battery to the frame to the engine, same thing. If you can replace it, please do so.

With the truck being the age that it is, you could have corrosion 7 to 8 inches deep into your wires and wouldn't even know it.

Just passing you some info based on my experience............

 

Agree with qdeezie. Sounds like a power loss from bad cables or connections. You could try cleaning all cables ends but it wouldn't hurt to replace the cables. That way you know what you got.