89-4run

Fellas,
I've settled on the interstate battery as my next battery (had the red top previously).

I use my truck for weekend warrior/camping type stuff. I usually have plugged in an MP3 player, cell phone, dvd player, and portable fridge.

From what I understand people seem to like a battery with more cold cranking amps more than anything, I think. The Interstate Heavy Duty battery has fewer CCA's than the non-HD. Of course, I have 2 places telling me opposite opinions too.

Do I want the HD with fewer CCA (710) or the other non-HD with 800 CCA. I'm not sure if there are "other" things I should be considering in my decision too.

Interstate Batteries

rocket

iTrader: (1)

Get the one with the most Reserve Capacity Minutes.

For close to the amount of those Interstates, you should consider a DieHard Platinum...same batteries as Odyssey.

89-4run

that helps rocket, i wouldn't of known to look at that. too bad interstate's site does a horrible job at listing the specs. i'll hit up google.

i saw your thread about the diehards, but if i remember correctly, i have to lengthen the cables to get them to fit, no?

89-4run

Ok, I think I found the info, maybe you can confirm for me.


MTP-24F 800 (CCA) 1000(CA/MCA) 125(RC) 85(warranty) 11 x 6-7/8 x 8-3/4 Auto-Top Post

or

MTP-27 750 (CCA) 940(CA/MCA) 135(RC) 85(warranty) 12 x 6-7/8 x 8-5/8 Auto-Top Post

The 27 has 10 more mins on RC, but is that worth it over the other CCA and CA?

rocket

iTrader: (1)

Nope, the group 35 fits. Funny you asked cause another member just pm'd me the same question a few days ago. I'll copy most of my reply:

The DH PL group 35 is a perfect fit for the cables and tray if you turn it "backwards"...so the sticker is facing toward the firewall.
The only thing you'll need to modify (for both the 34 and 35) is the factory metal battery holder. The little 90* L shaped brackets are about a 1/2" too far apart to firmly secure the battery. You could use some sort of spacer(s) like a piece of rubber or wood to fill that gap but I'm going to remove one bracket by drilling out the rivet and weld it back on.

I went with the group 34 which required longer cables and a spacer. About half of the 34's in Sears should have a removable-already-supplied-plastic-spacer that raises it to the same height as our stock batteries or a group 35. Technically you don't need longer cables; I could of disconnected a couple fasteners that hold part of the wiring harness to the inner fender wall which really limits cable length. The pos and neg only needed to be about 2" longer and is easily doable by freeing up some slack in the harness. I actually replaced my cables simply because I wanted to....("Big 3" write-up coming soon).
Also, the group 34 is a bit wider so the factory battery tray needs to be replaced or the left side of the 'lip' should be trimmed/cut off...

...and I highly recommend the PL battery. I haven't drove my 4runner for over a year now, only start it once a week. Although it's still fairly newish, mine has performed without a hiccup in below freezing temps a few times. I didn't buy an Optima because the DH Platinum (Odyssey) is simply a better battery. Get one!