Centech is the poorest choice for your Bronco.
Painless as you say is too much and is for a stock bronco.
For all your mods my choice would be Ron Francis, it does come with a lawn mower switch, figure out how to get a stock on in there.( AAW does too)
Can't actually argue with the order of desirability stated above, but I would say that Centech isn't actually a poor choice per sé, and is powering up a ton of Broncos running around.
Easy enough to make a few minor changes and to add that secondary fuse panel too.
The others mentioned are definitely "better" for most. Just don't want you to think a Centech is crap.
I am new to the forum but I can already say, Great info!
...I started to follow the wire back and came to a connector, as I unplugged the connector it was so brittle that it fell apart...now my problems just got worse.
...With the info provided I am leaning towards the Painless wire harness. I understand installation timing depends on experience and barring no other issues arise, how long does it usually take to install an all new harness?
...I looked up the Painless harness and noticed a couple different ones (Painless part#10123-21 circuit harness, part# 10113-28 circuit harness, Painless #10101, and from Wild Horses a 28 circuit with night lighter headlight harness & loom kit).
...Any recommendations which one I should go with? With my research it looks like only the Wild Horses products come with a new glove box.
Hey Sonny, welcome!
Yep, yours sure sounds like a perfect candidate for new wiring. The dried out and brittle connector you found is the dead giveaway. Surprisingly, most of our old EB's still have wiring that's at least semi-supple, but most of those that are still in good shape age-wise, have been hacked to death by PO's that thought they were wiring experts!
Would love to say that our version of the Painless is the only one that comes with the glove box, but that's not the case. The Bronco-specific harness (Our #6095** and the Painless #10113 (with switches is the best way) 28-circuit) comes with the glovebox from Painless already cut out for the proper size hole to fit their larger than stock fuse box.
So anyone you purchase one from will include the box.
I usually recommend the one with the switches (any brand of harness) but for someone that might already have purchased new switches recently, or perhaps just wants to save a little money, you can get the version without switches too.
When you have some extra time on your hands check out the thread started by Eric from Painless (member Eric0o1 here) a few years ago where he joined the forum and with the help of many members here designed the harness for Painless.
Great read, like so many semi-epic threads hereabouts.
I'm going with centech. But I'm doing custom dash with rocker switches from OTTRAW for lights and gadgets. I will have an extra fuse panel and a relay panel with up to 6 relays.
Easy to do with yours I think. If I remember, you're adding, or have already added a high power alternator? If so then before you even install the harness, plan to use the Yellow alternator charge wire to feed any number of fuses and/or relays.
It's a heavy duty 10ga wire and can either be used right there in the corner by the battery, or pulled up through the harness to the firewall, or even inside the cabin to power an array of things. Whether a power stud (whatever the correct name for them is) or a terminal strip, it's got a direct connection to the fuse panel and the battery.
And if running an auto, don't forget to plan ahead for the Purple/Violet START wire. If a manual you just run the single wire as-is to the starter relay. If you have a neutral safety switch or clutch interlock, figure out where you want to run the other Purple wire that is in two halves waiting to be wired into the switch.
One of the few little glitches in the Centech that are easier planned for before the install.
Since Centech expects you to become an expert at Weatherpack connector building (it's a great idea by the way) and includes a bunch with their harness, a proper crimper is a must.
Paul
