My ‘79 is the same. Best i can tell is they used a smaller cable back then. I’m going to re-wire mine this week & install a cut off switch. I’m going to switch it over to a 4 bank system like the newer trucks.
I took mine out a long time ago and have never regretted it. I don't see a need for it. When I park the truck at home for any amount of time, I hook up shore power to keep the batteries topped. When I'm on the road, what's the point? At the shop, they disconnect at the battery when they need to.