Which new battery to put in truck

[FL71C10]

I am putting my truck back together and am close to firing up the motor. I need a battery and was wondering what size some of you are using. It seems like the application charts are all over the board. Some are suggesting a side post bettery, some top post, and the group or sizes all vary.

I've got a 71 with a 350 automatic, no air (although I want to put aftermarket air in at some point), I've got a late model internally regulated alternator if that matters.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[Shyguy]

75DT should work. It is a dual terminal, side and top. Now brand just depends on which one you like.

I have had good luck with Interstate, my brother swears by Diehard. I am sure others will chime in with more info.

[FL71C10]

Originally Posted by Shyguy

75DT should work. It is a dual terminal, side and top. Now brand just depends on which one you like.

I have had good luck with Interstate, my brother swears by Diehard. I am sure others will chime in with more info.

Are you running side or top terminals?

['70_402]

I run a side terminal interstate, the biggest one they offer

[FL71C10]

Which terminal is closest to the fender, positive or negative?

Originally Posted by '70_402

I run a side terminal interstate, the biggest one they offer

['70_402]

if i remember right it's the neg...

[barryvanhook]

Just last week the battery in my truck went Tango Uniform ... replaced it with a red-top Optima, 75/25, with top and side posts/connection. 3 year warranty as I recall ... $150 at AutoZone.

Barry

[cdowns]

i usually go for sears batterys have had great luck with them over the years. have also had pretty good luck with the few batteries i've gotten at walmart too believe it or not

had terrible luck with optima batteries wayyyy overprice IMO

[Transformula]

Group 24 or 24-F fit well, with top post, 650 or so cranking amps. The difference with 24 and 24-F are the terminals are reversed. Positive and negative are swapped. Whatever you like better for your wiring. (F stands for Ford, by the way, of course they are backwards!) I run a 24-F. Personally I don't like side terminals because there is one more for a POSSIBILITY (Not definately!) of a leak developing. Plus, the small screws can strip if you're not careful.

[FL71C10]

Originally Posted by Transformula

Group 24 or 24-F fit well, with top post, 650 or so cranking amps. The difference with 24 and 24-F are the terminals are reversed. Positive and negative are swapped. Whatever you like better for your wiring. (F stands for Ford, by the way, of course they are backwards!) I run a 24-F. Personally I don't like side terminals because there is one more for a POSSIBILITY (Not definately!) of a leak developing. Plus, the small screws can strip if you're not careful.

I was think of using a side terminal one because you seem to get a more positive connection. I don't remember ever seeing corroded side terminals. I didn't know they were more prone to leaks.

[Rochlow]

Originally Posted by cdowns

i usually go for sears batterys have had great luck with them over the years. have also had pretty good luck with the few batteries i've gotten at walmart too believe it or not

had terrible luck with optima batteries wayyyy overprice IMO

Couldn't agree more on the optima batteries.. Everyone that I've ever own has died just a weeks after the warranty expires. There is one in my Jimmy now, but I'm sure it's dead and will need to be replaced as it's about 2yrs old.

Had good luck with Delco and Interstate.

[BIGBLU 72]

Duralast Gold from Autozone! biggest one they have in a top post! never had any luck with side posts bc they come loose and then your truck wont start! my jimmy has a Duralast Gold in it and a short so it runs down all the time bc it sets while im at school just throw a charger on it and its good to go! 8 year warrenty (3 year free replacement, 5 year pro-rate after that)

[dan76]

Originally Posted by FL71C10

I was think of using a side terminal one because you seem to get a more positive connection. I don't remember ever seeing corroded side terminals. I didn't know they were more prone to leaks.

I've seen several side terminal batteries with corrosion. All batteries require periodic terminal cleaning and tightening. Use a dielectric grease on the terminals to slow corrosion.

I like to side terminals as it's less likely one of my buddies (none of which are mechanically inclined) will hit a terminal with a tool, ring or beer can.

[Dunenutt]

X2 on the Duralast gold. I have 5 vehicles with them. I am averaging 4 years on the lifespan. When they die, I take them back and get new ones for about 60.00, with the warranty.

4 years on a battery in Phoenix is almost unheard of.

[JOHNORO]

Deka Batteries Made in USA
I used them at work and have had Great Luck

Group 78DT (Dual Terminal)
You could always attach accessories to the spare terminal.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Rochlow]

Originally Posted by JOHNORO

Deka Batteries Made in USA
I used them at work and have had Great Luck

Group 78DT (Dual Terminal)
You could always attach accessories to the spare terminal.
Posted via Mobile Device

Deka is a good battery too. I've used them in the past and had great luck. Usually last 4-5 years

[72lb4x4]

Decide if you want top or side terminals.
Decide where you want the + and - terminals.
Measure your battery box.

Buy the biggest (most CCA) battery you can find that fits in the box with the desired terminal setup.

Never beat on the terminals.

[barnharts4]

I have an Odyssey PC925 Dry Cell that I bought from Summit. In my estimation, the best battery you can buy and the company will back you 100%, I can vouch for that, I will give you the vice-presidents name if you want it. Couple that battery with there battery maintainer and you are good for years.

[vasquezmrysvll]

i use the bottom line ones from walmart, run them in everything i own.never had one go bad.....only replaced after 6 years just for good measures. only had luck with the cheapest ones, STAY AWAY FROM THE "-N-EVERSTART MAXX"

[Sport/Truck]

Originally Posted by barnharts4

I have an Odyssey PC925 Dry Cell that I bought from Summit. In my estimation, the best battery you can buy and the company will back you 100%, I can vouch for that, I will give you the vice-presidents name if you want it. Couple that battery with there battery maintainer and you are good for years.

+1 for Odyssey- These batteries are both a deep cycle & starting battery, so they're best of both worlds. I'm currently using the battery my truck came with and once it dies I'll go with the Odyssey.

But I'm using an Odyssey PC1700 MJT battery in my Land Cruiser and it's been trouble free since October 06.

s/t

[Beat68CST]

Huh...

I have an Optima going on 8 years. Get's a little tired, throw the charger on it on 2amp for 4-5 hours, ready to go. Just don't let it sit and it's fine.



Have a Duralast Gold, it's about 3, surprised it's lasted that long too.

[barryvanhook]

Everybody's different, I guess ... I've been using Optima for years without issues. And this is in the Phoenix heat.

[Beat68CST]

Originally Posted by barryvanhook

Everybody's different, I guess ... I've been using Optima for years without issues. And this is in the Phoenix heat.

Glad my dad and I aren't the only ones.

I just out west a little ways! :P

Still just as hot.

[Longhorn Man]

I put a set of used interstate side posts in my longhorn back in 04 or 05... I think they are from 03 maybe? Still kickin hard. I've let it sit for 4 months or so and it cranks fine. These are older ones, pre-green top. They are black top if memory serves. The quality seems to have dropped since they went green top. We get a lot more call backs than we used to.
The side posts are better in many ways, and were implimented in 71. The main reason GM did this was to move the terminals away from where the corrosive gasses vent out the top. This is why it is uncommon to get corroded terminals on side posts. The crappy part is, if you do get corrosion, it is all but impossible to clean.

[Andy4639]

These batteries are hard to beat. The odyssey 925's is what I use in the dragster golf cart and I want change a thing when they quite. I'll buy 6 more and keep on going!
You can mount them in any way shape or form and it want hurt them. They can be discharged all the way down and charge right back up. They have a 2 year shelf life.





http://www.odysseybatteries.com/batteries.htm