Optima battery group number

[Gordon Maney]

I inquired with some Optima battery dealers today, and also looked at the Optima website. According to the Optima site there is no battery for our truck, and that was the position of one of the dealers. The other dealer was ready to sell me a battery.



I know lots of people here use them. What size or model number are you using? Also, are you using the red or the yellow?

 

[todt061458]

Did you try the search feature ???? It has many pages of answers to your question. Just type in optima to get your answers. Most people I know use a D31A Yellow top. Did you ever consider a Odyssey PC2150? Just a thought. Good luck in whatever you choose. TOD

 

[Thomas]

... What size or model number are you using? Also, are you using the red or the yellow?

Optima RedTop 34/78.

 

[Gordon Maney]

Did you try the search feature ???? It has many pages of answers to your question. Just type in optima to get your answers. Most people I know use a D31A Yellow top. Did you ever consider a Odyssey PC2150? Just a thought. Good luck in whatever you choose. TOD

Yes, I did try the search feature — with several alternative search terms, and yes, it got many pages, and no, it did not include the size answer, so..... that is why I posted.



Thanks for your reply.

 

[Gordon Maney]

Did you try the search feature ???? It has many pages of answers to your question. Just type in optima to get your answers. Most people I know use a D31A Yellow top. Did you ever consider a Odyssey PC2150? Just a thought. Good luck in whatever you choose. TOD

What did you do for cable ends? I looked at a 31 tonight, about $180 each. I liked the CCA, however.

 

[MCondit]

I am using the goup 31 yellow tops. Part# sc31da. 900 cca 155min. reserve capacity. They fit in the stock battery tray. You just need to lengthen the hold down bolts. The stock battery cables fit without any problem. I used 1/4" stainless theaded rod and replaced the factory threaded clips with rivet type thread inserts Hope this helps.

 

[HeavyHauler]

The 34/78 red-tops will work, but just to throw a kink in things, the yellow top D31 is the only one that meets or exceeds all the specs of the factory batteries. The other models fall short in either cranking amps or reserve capacity.



If you want the big Group 31s, the D31A is the one to get. The D31T has the threaded stud.



Mine fit perfectly in the factory tray using factory cables. I don't understand some people needing to lengthen the hold down bolts - mine work fine.

 

[Gordon Maney]

The 34/78 red-tops will work, but just to throw a kink in things, the yellow top D31 is the only one that meets or exceeds all the specs of the factory batteries. The other models fall short in either cranking amps or reserve capacity.



If you want the big Group 31s, the D31A is the one to get. The D31T has the threaded stud.



Mine fit perfectly in the factory tray using factory cables. I don't understand some people needing to lengthen the hold down bolts - mine work fine.

Thank you for the clarification on the terminals. I looked at one last night and it had the threaded studs. What I am finding out about the places that sell Optimas is that they don't know much about them. Though, that is not unlike most auto parts stores these days, as they are mostly young kids standing at computer terminals.



When I asked one of them about these batteries and what particular one they would suggest, he asked my VIN number, as he was locked into some relationship with a computer.



Were the hold down bolts even close to short?

 

[Bob Cochran]

I have had the red tops in mine now for about 3 years. No problem of any kind including starting a few times in minus degree weather and had not been able to plug to heat radiator water. Even though they may not match required specs for the truck they do work great. No problem in the installation either.

 

[MCondit]

If you go with the 34/78 battery the stock hold down bolts will work. The D31A is approx. 1" taller than the OE battery which is a Grp. 27.

 

[Thomas]

If you go with the 34/78 battery the stock hold down bolts will work...

The second-generation OEM batteries are taller than the 34/78. Several have reported that a wiring harness under the driver-side battery has been damaged by the factory hold-down bolt when the height difference was not considered. My solution is here: https://www.turbodieselregister.com/user_gallery/displayimage.php?&photoid=16053&width=0

 

[RDelissen]

redtops (34/78).

No more issues starting

Got mine through Mike, free shipping :

http://www.4x4rockshop.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=9562

 

[SKargo]

Optimas are very over priced for what you get.

I have had a red top that performed great. I've had 2 yellow tops, and they sucked. Once they get drained a few times, forget about it.



I have nothing but praise for the yellow everstart's from walmart. Half the price and twice as nice.