what battery?

Optima and Ody.....I got both. Purchased Optima at Costco therefore any problems they'll get me full refund, hehehe

 

Where'd you get billet battery tray?

 

I believe that it depends in how lucky u r when buying the Optima (yellow or red top batteries). For almost $200, I won't take the risk. I have had good experience with Die Hard batteries, so go for it.

 

I've personally had 3 defective Red Tops. One was DOA. The other two died within a year of purchase. My understanding is the original makers of Optima sold the rights and the battery is now being made by another manufacturer.

I still use them though because it seems like they either fail quickly or not at all. Both my Taco and Runner have red tops. The biggest thing I like is they seem to have enough reserves to run my power inverters and lights for a while before the trucks needs to be started back up.

 

I live in Las Vegas with extreme heat in the summer, have been running Red Top Optima's for over 15 years and have never had one fail. I finaly replaced one after eight years when I replaced a starter in a chevy truck.

 

How the heck do you guys dit the red top Optima? Just bought one and my damn cables won't reach!!!!

 

What battery did you have?

I have the D34/78 with reversed terminals. The power cable reached but I had to buy a new ground.

 

Recently replaced the OEM AC delco 7 year,,with another one. Got 9 years out of the last one.

For a stubborn charging yellow Optima, you need to remove the batt. plug on a good charger and pound it with 60+ amps for 15 min,,let cool for 15-20. do this about 3 times and you will wake up/revive the optima. This sounds nuts,, but it does work. I almost tossed two yellow tops because I thought they were dead. Tried the above trick and they are still plugging along and holding a charge. Use good judgement and monitor closely.

Used this charger that has a 80 amp start feature, and went about 10 min per cycle.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02871225000P#desc

 

I wish I could have my stock battery. It lasted 10 years. Never had a problem ever, until one day. It took a dump.

 

Thread revival notwithstanding, I've run Interstate batteries for years, and remain very pleased with my MTP-24F, which are available for around $120.

 

when i had a red top, i got the reverse terminal ones too...

i have a yellow top now and i just finessed the cables to reach...

 

duh... just noticed the dates on this thread... hahaha

 

Wal Mart batteries are the best value IMO. Cheaper than the rest and they do installs as well.

 

First thing first... I'm pretty much a self-proclaimed knob for most automotive wrenching...

...but why do people care about the retailer installing a battery? It's one of the easiest things to do.

And this thread reminds me. I've never changed my battery in my truck and I've owned it for 12 years, and I'm positive it's the original battery in the truck.

 

x2!

Sounds like the OE battery in my '97 Mustang Cobra. It lasted a full 12 years, in spite of the car sitting (in the garage) for weeks at-a-time and only being driven about 3500 miles per year.

 

I just got a yellow top for purpose of having extra electronics and because I wanted the best of sorts and deep cycle.

 

My $80 750 cca Walmart battery has been flawless. No dimming of headlights running around 600w rms to my stereo system.

 

Backwards post redtop that i bought from autozone used... Was a return batt, had it on the sickle charger for four days, finally held the charge and 6 months later no problems. Running 1200w rms stereo, reverse lights, 2 hellas and 2 sets of hids

 

It really depends on the car. starting somewhere between the 90's and early 2000's lots of cars started having batteries that are actually very difficult to replace. Plus with many hondas and vw's you have to worry about the radio security code. Many GM vehicles have their batteries in retarded places. Either sebrings or some other dodge had their battery in the fender well.

In most cases the vehicles have plenty of space in the engine bay to design it so that the battery is very easy to replace, but the manufacturers just don't care.

 

Well I deliberated and went with the Sears Diehard Platinum.

The warranty and prorated warranty is what sold me when comparing it to other comparable batteries.

I'm fine with it so far.