2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission batteries

[J.BURCHFIELD]

Cranking amps are the most important thing. Measure your trays and buy the biggest one that fits. Make sure they are not too tall and ground out on the hood. The closer to 1,000 cranking amps you can get the better. Walmart has a good battery and the guarantee is good and they are everywhere. A brother-inlaw, a mechanic for over 30 years says walmart is all he uses. I have never had a problem with Interstate batteries. Used them in Semi's motorcycles and my own and wifes cars. Now I go to the closest of the two places.

 

[DouglasWilliams]

to recap...
i cleaned the posts (they were getting pretty corroded) with baking soda and water (dont inhale those fumes!) and ran it for another week. the truck still started as long as i didnt 'wait to start'. it wasnt really an issue here, because the socal morning temps were in the 80's. after the week was through, you could tell it was starting, but not happily.
i checked the voltage of the batteries separately and they were both fine. i didnt have load tester, so i decided to just replace them. i didnt want to hurt the soleniods or the starter.
i went to sears and bought their 'die-hard' batteries, i believe i spend $250ish for the pair. after replacing them (and putting grease on the terminals, a tip from an old racer friend of mine to keep the corrosion away) everything is fine. the truck starts normally and have had no problems...
thanks for the help guys. . doug

 

[icman95]

I believe factory group number is 27. I agree about the Optimas. Tried one in my Jeep and bit the dust way too early. Funny thing is that the salesman told me this as I was buying it but I didn't heed his warning. Stay away! I still have the originals in my '01. While I don't put many miles on it, they're still over 6 years old and handle New England winters just fine. Go for the Die Hards at Sears or Interstates. Have the Ints. in my RV and love them. Might want to find out the source of the drain before killing a new set of batteries though. If the batteries are original, then maybe it's just time to replace them. Eventually they get to a point where they won't hold a charge even though the needle says it's charging. Remember, the needle says what's coming out of the alternator, not how much the batteries are holding.

 

[ttbird]

Your batteries should last longer. I've only replaced mine three times in thirteen years. Have gone with Costco last two times with great results. Reasonable price and great service. Have not fail me yet. You need to replace both a once though. Like everyone else said, check your relays and grid heaters.