So I am in the near future going to be putting reverse lights and some more lights up front. Along with some more interior lighting under the dash and seats. I am wanting to run a new second fuse box to run all the aftermarket things that I put in so I don't have to use those add a fuse things and fuse jumpers. I am working on some prototypes and want some feed back on them (good or bad idea?)

What I really want to accomplish with installing a second fuse box is I don't want any high powered wires running into the cab. I want it to be under the hood somewhere but keeping it look professional. I understand how to run wires and wire relays. I also want to run a second fuse box so I can easily take out everything I need to. I don't want to mess with any factory wiring. What are some better places to put a fuse box at? Okay so that said here is what I am thinking right now. This is the first prototype that I am working on so it is a little rough.

Here are some of the things that I am using
Terminal Block

From looking around under the hood there really isn't any place to add a second fuse box and make it look hidden so this is what I am thinking. (It is a maybe) Would like your thoughts.




Bolt up to the 4 holes in the middle top of the picture.




Rough prototype of what I was thinking?





I am going to run 8 AWG to the fuse block from the Batt with a 50 amp fuse.
Running 12 AWG to all the relays and will ground all the relays to the same place. I want to keep all the "large" current wires away from the inside of the cab.

Here is a rough idea of how I have it wired. I plan on heat shrinking and soldering the connections. (Wire to the wire terminals) The wiring I am using in the pic is all just rough to test and get the idea of length.





The hole right above the grommet in the fire wall to run the wires through.




Here is the wiring. Red is always live. White is switch and yellow is to accessory.




Here is the wiring. Red is always live. White is switch and yellow is to accessory. Will bolt everything down on final product. What ever that turns out to be.




What is this?

I will be waterproofing the final product. What ever that turns out to be.

If this is the place that we all think will work. I am going to make the box out of a stronger material. Probably out of metal with plastic inside to make sure no live wire grounds to it. I am thinking out of diamond plate metal. (It won't rust and looks cool.)

 

Well it's a cool idea and you obviously know what you want but I'll give my two cents.
The mounting seems problematic. Mounted by just the the end of the box makes it seem like it's going to vibrate and bounce a bit. Also by the pics it seems it will have to removed to do some simple maintenance like spark plugs.
The other thing is it's very large.
I would try to consolidate it down to something like this



Then I would try to find some place out of the way to mount it. Like a work box tucked away near the master cylinder somewhere.

 

For me that would be a bad spot. You're right above the exhaust manifold and next to the EGR valve with plexiglass, and I can't help but think that could make a bad combo. A couple more potential issues I can see are being able to remove or relocate it when you need to do work on it. It also looks like you wouldn't be able to check your oil.

 

Yeah the plexiglass was just a prototype idea but yeah your right it would be kind if hard to work on anything under that. Where would be good spot to put stuff like this under the hood? I just see much room. Checking the oil is no problem though. I tried that first thing.

 

Okay after more messing around I think I found where I want to put everything. Thinking back the first idea was pretty dumb so this is what I am thinking now. It is hidden (Mostly) The way it is going to attach is I am going to probably screw it or maybe zip tie. I am going to ground the relays on the body ground that it right near them already.

The relays are going to be hidden beside the fuse box.











The fuse block will be hidden behind the plastic cover covering the starting solenoid because there is plenty of room and it is hidden.




Without plastic cover. I am running 8 AWG to the fuse block.




With plastic cover

I will have to run wire from the fuse block to the relays but that will run along the inside of the "channel" that already runs wires across the engine bay. It will also be inside split loom.

 

Also where did you get that fuse box. That looks nice.

 

Your power distribution area is way different than mine.

 

Not mine just grabbed a pic off the net for concept of my suggestion.

 

Yes it is. I wonder why? Diffrent engines? Mine is 1999 4.6L v8? Could it be that my truck is a lariat? I have also noticed that some older f150s have the fuse box in different places. 1 I have seen it was turned sideways from mine and was right next to the intake tube and the brake booster was on the firewall where mine is located?

 

Mine is a 97 with a 4.6, and my 98 Expedition with a 4.6 is the same.