One of the biggest problems with INternationals are their electrical systems, and especially their ground planes.

Usually, their stock electrical system is fine, however; 20+ years of dirt and ruct tend to deteriorate the connections of the ground plane.

Let's define what we are talking about:
Ground Plane: The entire steel structure of the vehicle, including the body, frame, and engine block.
No-Ox-Ide: A die-electric compound produced by a variety of companies that prevents corrosion and increases conductivity. Can be purchased from most electrical supply houses.
Gauge: Size of electrical wire. The smaller the number the larger the wire. Sizes run from 30 to 4/0.

The first and primary portion of the ground plane is the start, at the battery. The first thing required are battery cables of sufficent size. Most cables are #2 gauge. That is a good size for most uses. What is more important than size here, however; is how good are your connections? At the battery most people keep these clean because you can see them. Most of us have those little wire brushes that clean both the terminal and the clamp. What is neglected, however; is the other end of those cables.
The (-) negative cable is bolted to the engine block, where it is subjected to oil, grease, dirt, ect that coats all engines. Alot of this grime eventually finds it's way under the bolt and eye of the cable. What needs to be done is to pull the bolt off and clean the area under the wire of all debris, then wire brush the metal to a shine. With this accomplished coat the metal with No-Ox. Also, clean off the terminal on the wire along with the bolt and coat both with No-Ox.
The (+) positive cable running to the starter is subject to the same enviroment and needs the same thing done to it. Clean all the wires under the nut on the starter and don't be shy with the No-Ox.

The next part of the ground plane is the, block to body ground wire. This is usually attached from the firewall to the bellhousing of the transmission. The best wire for this is a braided steel wire. This is the usual factory wiring. If you have this then you are o.k., just pull the bolts off and clean the spots and coat with No-Ox. If you don't have this wire, or your wire is in bad shape, then you need to install one. A regular battery cable with eyes on both ends will work. The bellhousing bolt is 1/2" and you probable won't be able to find one that size. On the back of the head are a couple of 3/8" bolt holes which will work to bolt to. Again, make sure all spots and clean and No-Oxed.

After you have ensured the basis of your ground plain you will want to work on the assessory grounds. These are the grounds for all the marker and head lights, various electric motors, and all your internal assessories.
The problem ground points are usually those exposed to the elements, such as the lights. The procedure for these are just like those of the engine. Find the ground wires, and remove the screw. Clean the wire ends, replace if the terminals are deteriorating, and clean the metal under the screw. If you want to wire brush the pain off from under the screw head, make sure you use No-Ox over the exposed metal and try to push the No-Ox into the screw hole as well to prevent rusting of the hole.

Check all the points around the truck, including those behind the grill. The grill is a problem part of the ground plane. It is bolted together to the body and the bolts and clamped surfaces tend to develop rust. The marker lights are grounded to the grill. You can fix this by pulling the grill and cleaning off the rust and re-installing, or you can attach a ground strap from the grill and fender. Clean the metal under the strap and afix the wire using zip screws.

A grounded truck is a happy truck. Keep these wires clean and No-Oxed and you won't have to worry about ground for quite a while.

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