Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Battery Replacement

[Capwell]

Need to change batteries on 2001 24valve truck. Any special instructions or problems that may happen? Thanks.

 

[NHelmer]

Spray wd40 or equivalent on the hold down bolts and let them soak for a bit. If you don't they make a pop, pop, snap sound. Yes, personal experience. Also if you do them one at a time (leaving one connected) you won't have to worry about reseting anything, radio etc. Just don't let the loose cable ends touch anything if you do it this way. Pretty easy job, just kinda expensive. Did both of mine in about 10 min. Not including removing the broken hold down bolt.

 

[MStrain]

I beleive Optima makes the best batteries, but they are also the most expensive, make sure that whatever you get has the binding posts on the correct side, so you don't have to cross the cables over eachother.

 

[JFaughn]

Get the 2 cans [ cleaner , preventive ] of battery connector treatment .

 

[Loren]

Capwell,



You said "batteries", so I assume that you already know this, but for the benefit of newer forum members: The most important thing to do when changing batteries is to change both of them.



Okay, maybe that's not as important as being careful not to lay a screwdriver across the terminals, but it's still important.



If you change only one battery, the two of them will not be balanced (electrically) and your new battery will soon be bad.



Loren

 

[rkressg]

The last time I changed my batteries, I went to my local NAPA and bought the two largest truck batteries I could fit (I think they were model 7630 commercial truck batteries). I had to modify the battery boxes to hold the new batteries (they are larger than the stock boxes).

I believe they are 1200CCA batteries and only cost me around $70/bat. On the coldest days (in Pgh, around 0f), they spin the motor like a top.
-Rich

 

[Missouri Mule]

If you get Optimas make sure you get the tray they fit in.

 

[Joe Mc]

I did the battery (ies) change when the truck was 5 years old - still had the originals in it, they were getting weak.



I went to wally mart and got the best they had for like $50 each. 3 years into them and they're still going strong. They were actually a bit smaller than the stockers but had more CCA. Worked for me.



Not to put the optimas down, they are a nice product but, I feel a bit pricy . . . MHO

 

[Loren]

Yes, the Optima batteries are expensive. Whether it's too much or not depends on you.



I own eight Optimas (yellow and blue tops) that are installed in various vehicles and equipment, including two Dodge diesels, an RV, a tractor, and a Toyota pickup.



The oldest of these batteries were installed in January 1999. They are still working fine. I have not had an Optima battery die yet.



Were they worth it? To me they were.



Loren