See picture for reference. Bought this 88 4WD two weeks ago. So the 80A fuse (the actual plastic housing of the fuse itself) located in the engine compartment fuse box labeled AM1 was broken, and I was going to replace all the fuses today.

Sidenote: I believe the 15A fuse in there is supposed to be a 10A, but I'm not certain. Anyone know?

However, I went to get the 80A fuse out and it wouldn't budge, then the housing started to disintegrate along with the fuse. Got the needle nose pliers out gently wiggled back and forth, tried leverage with a flathead screwdriver, tried pulling my ass off (hit myself in the face a few times... >.<), tried prying, got help, nothing works!! I'm guessing the fuse was just super old because it crumbled, and the vehicle has been sitting for a while.

Any ideas on what to do here? I've got no power now, and am frustrated as hell. Hoping I don't have to replace the whole fuse box.

 

That fuse has a bolted connection on the bottom unbolt the fuse block remove the bottom cover if it is still on .

Most covers seem to vanish after they get removed the first time

Then you will see how to unbolt the connection.

 

Thanks a lot Wyoming.

 

This is for a 22re but I am guessing the same for the 3.0. The fuse has to be unbolted and its contacts are about 1 1/2inches long. Once you unbolt it on both sides, you will see what I mean. From what I can tell, your fuse box looks ok to me. If it is needing replaced, get another from the bone yard and the box and harness is easily replaced. Not as bad of a job as you might think.


All of the other fuses lift up and out. The 80 Amp you have to pry this tab to the firewall and push out the bottom.


Here it is mounted to the Fuse. It mounts behind the wires. I usually have to take a 8mm socket to the screws the first time. They can be TIGHT.