Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Moved the battery ground cable.

[DBoyd]

I just finished installing the Optima batteries in my 97. When hooking up the battery cables on the driver's side battery, I discovered the ground cable was too short for some reason. I tried rerouting it to no avail so I ended up unbolting the cable from the midpoint on the side of the block to the front of the block where there was another motor mount type of casting near the power steering pump. The bolt hole was the same size and threads as the bolt I removed at the original location so I screwed the ground cable onto the bolt and cinched it down in the new location. Question is, will this new location for the ground cable cause any problems? And has anyone else had this problem with the Optima batteries? The truck started right up and runs like a champ with the new batteries.

Thanks for your help.

Don

 

[Sticks]

A ground is a ground. So long as your connections are tight and clean (free of oil and dirt) you should not have any problem.

 

[emarsh]

I have THREE optimas! My 02 is 2WD and I mounted the third battery on a bracket I made on the drivers side of the transmission. The positive lead goes directly to the starter and the ground goes to the bellhousing.

 

[DBoyd]

Thanks to you all for the replies.

Emarsh, why the three batteries? Is the third kinda for a passing gear? (Just kidding) Looks like you have your truck decked out. Very nice.

 

[JMcCoy]

I had the same problem with my red tops. I purchased a battery stud and screwed it into the front battery post (instead of the top). This gave me enough slack to attach the ground. The positive mounted to the top with no problem. 8 years later and the battery is still good. Passenger side worked fine. Moving the ground should not be a problem either. Awesome batteries. Great purchase. Next time, I plan to go with the yellow tops. Good luck

 

[DBoyd]

That was an odd deal, not having enough cable on the one side. I used the spacer that came with the battery to make it the same height as the other batteries and came up short. I wonder if the old batteries had the posts closer to the edge? I'll have to take a look.

JMcCoy, would the yellow tops be a better battery for our applications?

 

[JMcCoy]

It depends on what you are running as to what battery is better. If your running a stock truck, the red top optimas will outlast the yellow. If you have a tendency to run the batteries down or if your accesories have a very high amp draw, The yellow top batteries will outlast the red tops. For most applications, the red will be the better choice. If you plan on installing a winch, off road lights, air compressors, CBs, or one of those noisy sound systems that **** off everyone but the idiot who's playing it, the yellow top would be the better choice. I live in Florida, where the heat destroys batteries. Your lucky to get 3 yrs out of brand X. My Optima reds have lasted me 8 yrs and still going. They are worth the extra cash. No leaks, lighter, can be mounted in any direction, and lasts longer. Hope this helps.

 

[DBoyd]

Thanks JMcCoy

I am running an all stock truck. The wildest thing I have done to this truck is install a grill guard to keep the pheasants out of the grill, installed an XM radio, and changed all the fluids to synthetic.

So I would imagine the Red Tops will do the job for me for many years. The reason I changed out the Mopar batteries was that they were leaking and rusting out the inner fender under the tray. That has been repaired and all is back ship shape.

Thanks again to all for the advice and insight.

Don