Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) optima red top battery

[LHastings]

When you install the optima batteries do you have to do anything special for the hold downs or will the Dodge factory hold downs work.



98 12V

 

[RT66DOC]

Factory hold-downs work fine but you'll have to put some kind of spacer under the nut - I used a short stack of washers on driver side only - temporarily . It's held up fine for a year.

 

[Jim McCarty]

I bought mine at Costco and they came with a spacer plate that makes them the same height as the conventional batteries. Jim

 

[SMorneau]

You can install them without the spacer but you will want to shorten the bolts so you won't pierce a wiring harness that runs under the battery tray.



Search my post for the full story.

 

[DMC]

I saw some pics of some other members Optimas, he had used what appeared to be some nylon or plastic 1" x 1/2" X 9" or 10", drilled the holes for the hold down nuts. If you are getting the Optimas, don't let the hold down system get in your way of putting some great batteries under the hood.



Good Luck



Don

 

[LHastings]

Thanks for the info I have one battery going bad and its been six years, time to replace them. How much shorter are they from the factory orginals? If they don't come with a spacer I can alway make them.

 

[krs]

It's maybe an inch and a half or less. The new red tops should have the spacers attached by clipping onto the bottom of the battery. It'll be red too and looks at a glance like part of the battery.