[psu927]

I just wanted to get a feel for what everyone is using. I'm sure if I go to a parts store they will probably give me the ones that are supposed to be on the truck. I was thinking of upgrading though so what's everyone doing, for what price and where are you getting them?

 

[u2slow]

If upgrading, Group 31 size is a good choice. (Taller and longer than the stock 65's.)

Its common for industrial & marine applications. High CCA ratings, lots of options for terminals, easy to find generic battery boxes. I have a Trojan sealed/gel in my van for the inverter. (It was expensive though.)

 

[blageurt]

I installed Motorcraft , I think it was like 285 CAD with taxes for both , they were higher CCA than the original ones and I got trade price .

 

[sdan27]

go with the type 31's. i did the same thing a few years back and its worked great for me. i used batteries with the 3/8" threaded studs and changed my battery cable ends.

 

[nashvillebill]

Does it take any mods to the battery boxes to fit Group 31s?

 

[PSDfreak]

Motorcraft

 

[u2slow]

Does it take any mods to the battery boxes to fit Group 31s?

Yes... as they are longer and taller.

I believe the stock Group 65s are basically a Ford-only size. There's not much difference in output amongst brands.

 

[S95]

i replaced my OE batts with INTERSTATE along time ago, still going strong.

 

[gsmith999]

Optima Yellow Top, deep discharge.

 

[sdan27]

i did have to do some modifications to get the type 31s to fit. there is adjustment in this little slotted piece that holds the battery box in place. i took the piece with the slot in it out and made the slot longer so i could drop the batterys a little lower just to be sure they weren't hitting on the hood when i closed it. the batteries were not quite as wide either so i put a piece of wood behind them to help hold them tight in place. i had had a pair of wolverine batteries that i had replaced and a pair of interstates that were in it when i bought the truck and these have worked a lot better.

 

[PSDfreak]

My original motorcrafts lasted about 7.5 years. I was out of town when they finally quit and had to get something quick. Ended up with Autolite batteries from Kragen Auto and they only lasted 3 years so I ended up putting another set of motorcraft back in from the dealer. They surprisingly were all that much more expensive and I figure the first set lasted so long that I would give them another try. So far they still turn over great.

 

[nashvillebill]

Okay, I see the Group 31's are 12 inches long by 6-13/16 wide by 9-7/16 high, versus the stock Group 65's at 12-1/16 long by 7-1/2 wide by 7-9/18 high.

Hmmm.

 

[Txfishermn]

Dry Cells!

I've run a diesel since 1988. Stay away from wet cell batteries. The vibration may cause the batteries to explode. I had a dent the size of a fist in my 1993 crew cab! This has happened to me three times with wet cells. I reccomend minimum CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) of 850. I ran Optima red top dry cells for nine years before they got weak. They weren't dead but between glow plugs and starting, it wore out the starter. So I have the new yellow tops. There are two different yellow top Optimas I think. Make sure you get the starter batteries! They are expensive at twice as much each but they'll pay for themselves in SAFETY and longetivity. I can also run my stereo forever and never worry about starting.

 

[jyrks]

Motorcraft. 11 yrs.