travelinman

So, I have read many threads before posting this one. I have not found a good experiential thread about batteries for the 3rd gen 4runners; so here goes.

I want to know what you think the best battery is for both longevity and price for a 3rd gen 4runner with basic modifications (no huge amps, lights or winches)?

What are your thoughts and experiences? Thanks...

jimbo74

you can not go wrong with an optima red top...in any vehicle as a stock replacement

MTL_4runner

I have been buying just Toyota OEM batteries and they last quite a long time (had mine in AZ for 5 yrs before it quit).
If you are going aftermarket, definately go Optima (they sell em at Costco too).

CrazyDiamond

I personally wouldn't spend the money on an OEM...most are manufactured by Interstate anyways...even the imports. You just pay extra for the Toyota emblem. My vote is on optima. Sears DieHard also makes a heat handler or weather handler or something like that that I've run many times that is like a tank. I have had one in my 1971 Chevelle SS turning over a big block V8 and have had the same battery for 8 years now...in 105+ degree Texas heat and pretty cold winters, that's impressive.

Still like the Optima sealed feature though :-)

ken.vs.ryu

i bought a $40 one at autozone. optima schmoptima.

CrazyDiamond

Hehe. I've done that before, too, when finances dictated it, but I've never had a 40 dollar battery go 8.5 years of hard starts and jumped probably 200 cars, literally (of stupid drunk college students in a dorm parking lot who left their lights on). You get what you pay for... OH, yeah, and that 8.5 year old battery (Sears DieHard Gold HeatHandler) still cranks like new.

CrazyDiamond

I probably made about $300-400 giving jump starts in my dorm parking lot :-) Financed alot more car parts!

gwhayduke

I've lots of different batteries over the years. Finally had one leak all over the hood and the tray and frame rail where it was mounted. I replaced it with a Champion Spiral Gel Cell since my 4Runner sees some rough roads and wheeling. It lasted one year only. I replaced it with a yellow top Optima. We'll see how it does.

DON'T GET A LIQUID CELL BATTERY!

lee

whats the difference between red and yellow top optimas?

89_4runner

I've had good luck with both AC Delco and Sears batteries over the last 12 years in my Toyota. My recommendation is to buy a "maintenance free" type and don't buy a real cheap one unless you really enjoy dead batteries and swapping them out at the worst moments. Also try to get the most cold cranking amps you can fit and afford.

I have heard nothing but good things about the Optima, so if you don't mind spending a little extra try it.

gwhayduke

Yellow top have more deep-cycle capability. Red top have more cold cranking amps.

FilthyRich

red top optima is all you will ever need

MTL_4runner

Yellow is more of a 2nd battery for a serious stereo.....red is what you want for your truck's primary battery.

MTL_4runner

Ouch!.....hit em while it hurts.

CrazyDiamond

Ahh...I wouldn't do that, except to the spoiled-ass frat-daddies driving brand new $35,000 trucks that mommy and daddy bought them. Oh, and those sorority sluts with the same (even though some of them were hot)...wait, I married a sorority girl, but she wasn't a slut...but she is a nympho! (And she doesn't mind me saying that!)

I figured the 10 bucks or so per jump that I got from them was probably just their daily Starbucks allowance.

travelinman

Thanks everyone. I'm going to go for the red top Optima. Hopefully costco will have a good price on one. I appreciate all the input!

Blackulua

OPTIMA RED with Ground Cable set-up.

Noliwan

I'd go for the Optima Red Top 34R-- This will save you some hassles with extending your cables-- be sure to get the spacer also which is free from Optima--Just call or e-mail them--got mine within a week-- this will make the battery fit in your compartment perfectly...

MTL_4runner

Just joshing ya.....nothing wrong with being an entrepreneur!