2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Changing out batteries

[rnolen]

I own a 97 2500 with 59,000 miles on it and the batteries are dying. It gets to the single digits here in the northern mountains of NM and sometimes you need a little bit more help in the mornings. Yes i plug my truck in, but sometimes at rodeos i don't have access to a plug. Anyway, I am looking at putting series 31 batteries in my truck instead of the 27 series. The difference is ( I am sure most you know this) 950 cranking amps to 750 cranking amps. Does anyone see a problem with this or should i just stick with the series 27's?

Thanks

Russ





97 2500 4X4, straight piped, timing set at 15. 5 is one the way

 

[LSMITH]

If they will fit go for it, the more CCA the merrier. I have 750 CCA Optimas in mine and have no problems at all down to -15 without being plugged in, but another couple hundred CCA would be a nice insurance package.

 

[Chipstien]

I wouldn't waste the money on the 31's. Just put a good set of 27 and you will be on your way. I am going to put a set of Trojan comercial 27's in mine. 170 minutes of reserve capacity to the 115 of those puny little Optimas. Seriously though, I personally cant justify the extra money of the red tops when you don't get the power of the good ole "non" maintenance free batteries. However the red tops are nice because you never have to worry about corrosion. Can't go wrong either way. BTW, stay away from any battery that is made by Exide.

 

[rmrc]

Optima's

I also agree with LSMITH. I have the Optims Red Top's and have no problems. I've used these batteries on other vehicles I've owned and have been very staisfied with their longevity and capacity.

 

[TowPro]

Great! Another Battery Thread!



You always have 2 sides to this discussion.



Side A: This side feels "nothing but the best will do for my truck" No matter what the cost. There is nothing wrong with this feeling, if you can afford it.

This group recomends the Optma Batteries. They are great, they do not have water in them, the have a gell mixed in with a Glass Mat. They will not leak, and I hear they last a long time. But they cost around $130. 00 each.



Side B: This side also feels "nothing but the best will do for my truck" but they don't have the extra $$$ to spend on the best, so they buy 2nd best. I am part of this group, and bought 2 Walmart Battries. I think they were called EverStart. they ran around $50. 00 each, and have something like 3 years free replacment, and several more years of adjustment period warrantee. Plus if one winter night one goes bad, most times there is a walmart open 24 hours not far away! Everystarts are made by Johnson Control, the makers of Optma!



No harm or flames was intended with this post

 

[Big-D]

Battery Changes

Is it true that BOTH batteries should be changed out even if only one is bad?

Dave

 

[rmrc]

My understanding regarding replacing both batteries is that just one battery will not last long due to start up with the grid heaters, especially during cold weather when your heaters cycle longer.



And, no offense taken regarding Optima vs Wal Mart. You make a very good point!!!

 

[LSMITH]

I bought my Optimas for $89 each or I would have Wally world batteries too.



ALWAYS replace BOTH batteries at the same time, replace with batteries with the same date code too if possible.

 

[John Berger]

Optima batteries

I got my Optima's for 99. 00. They were the first replacement batteries to go on the truck. Interesting observation on the Optima's vs. the factory installed batteries. The Amp gauge never did the infamous dance on cold mornings when the factory batteries were in. On cold mornings with the Optima's, the truck starts fine, but now the gauge does the dance. I also like the red tops because they match the color of my truck. That wasn't a consideration when buying them, but it worked out well. This is my first set of Optima's. If they perform well, I'll probably stick with them.

 

[MLee]

batteries 2/nd choice

towpro;

Well, mine did it to. i should not have made that statement a week ago. **mm! where do you look for the manufacturers name, how did you find out about jhonson control on Wally's batteries??? how do they take care of warranties, if they do'nt have service bays? do they load test at the service counter, or just take your word for it. ( see a 70 plus woman checking the battery out with the load tester, "yep its dead". ) :{



Lsmith;

where did you find the optima for that price? it seams to be a fair trade item. i've only run across the $130. 00 price.



Marv.

 

[Bob Cochran]

MLee ~ I found my Optima at Costco for $99. 00. So far so good I like them. I am considering Yellow tops for 5th wheel but they are going to be around the $150 area so not sure I want to pay that much!!!

 

[LSMITH]

Marv, I cought them on sale at the local farm and fleet store, another local member gave me the headsup that they were on sale.

 

[mfelix]

exide batteries

CHIPSTIEN WHATS WRONG WITH EXIDE BATTERIES?

I BOUGHT A PAIR 1 YEAR AGO NO PROBLEM YET. WHAT DO I EXPECT TO GO WRONG WITH THEM . LET ME KNOW SO I CAN KEEP A LOOKOUT FOR IT OK

 

[TowPro]

Re: batteries 2/nd choice

I can't remember. I think they told me when I called them, as the diesel is not listed in Walmarts books.



I checked out Everstarts Website I saw an "email to" link, so I clicked on it and it says -- email address removed --



Does Johnson Controls make Exide battries?



Then I went to Johnson Control website. Seems they have a trade mark on Autobatteries.com When you go to that site, you can pick your brand name. It shows names like DieHard, Equalizer, Kirkland, Everstart, Motorcraft, Optima, Prostart, truestart, duralast, eveready, energizer, and some OEM Car manafacturs names.



I think Johnson Controls makes all those battery lines shown on this last website. Where did the email address exideworld come in? who knows

 

[rnolen]

Changing Batteries

thanks to everyone that gave advice. I think I will go with the 31's because I can get them for a very good price. I now just need to decide which brand. Caught between interstate, optima, and napa (sticks out a bit but a friend can get me a warranty for 5 years or so. )

thanks again.

russ

ps let me know what yall think about these brands

 

[TowPro]

Actualy that Walmart battery I was selling you is 900cca. I think its a BCI-34DT, is that larger then a 27?

 

[TurboSandman]

rnolen;



I am considering group 31's for my '97 as well, but according to specs, they are about an inch too long for the battery tray. I would like to avoid cutting the end of the tray if possible, but lean towards the 950 cold cranking amps!



Have you come across this problem? Nothing is easy is it?

 

[MLee]

re: batteries

thanks for your response, its pretty hard to tell who makes what now days. i've been in interstates out let here(woods cross UT) and have seen them applying labels of various brands that they were taking out for delivery, and of course they are Johnson controls.

thanks again.



Marv.

 

[Speedo]

Batteries

Some battery manufacturers have used "marine cold cranking

amps" for their CCA rating this will be higher since it is done at

32 degrees F. I have seen Exide batteries rated this way but

that has been quite awhile. Just something to look for.



Gus

 

[rnolen]

Turbo Sandman,

I went a head and bought the 31's because the 27's are 12in and the 31's are 13in. My side on the tray are bowed in so i am going to try and heat the sides up enough to squeeze them in. I have probably about an inch at the bottom between the sides and the batteries. I think this will work.

wish me luck

russ