Notices
95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners 4th gen pickups and 3rd gen 4Runners

Optima battery install

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-13-2009, 09:13 AM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
jonb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: N. Hollywood, CA
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Optima battery install

Hello,

Just picked up and installed a new Optima red top battery for my 2000 4runner. Using the adapter, I was able to adjust the battery for the correct height and then attached the battery hold down bracket on top. Problem is the Optima battery is a little narrower than the two angle brackets that clamp down on the top of the battery. The battery is about 1/4" narrower than the spacing between each of these clamps allowing only about half of each clamp to grab the battery (hope that makes sense). The battery seems pretty tight anyways but was wondering if this would be a problem down the line. Any alternative way to secure the battery using a different clamp system?
thanks, Jon
Old 12-13-2009, 10:55 AM
  #2  
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
 
Mtn Mike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Spokane, WA
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I've seen various places that sell custom metal mounts for the Optima's. Wabfab? Right now I'm using wood shims to create a tight fit. I'm not completely happy with that set- up and I'm thinking about a costum mount, possibly with the ability to run dual batteries. Here are some I found on google:

http://www.oconeeoffroad.com/servlet...-Optima/Detail

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=836498
Old 12-13-2009, 10:57 AM
  #3  
Registered User
 
bgmac's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I take it you have a group 35...you should be able to adjust the top bracket to compensate. The 34R have a nice tight fit.
Old 12-13-2009, 12:17 PM
  #4  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
jonb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: N. Hollywood, CA
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for the replies!
The problem is with the top bracket. There are two angle clamps that hold the side/top of the battery. These appear welded to the top hold down so they can't be moved or adjusted in a little bit. Yes I do have a 35 too.
Old 12-13-2009, 12:29 PM
  #5  
Registered User
 
jrallan26's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Urbandale, Iowa
Posts: 1,655
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Did you get an optima adapter with the battery? They usually come with battery purchase.
Old 12-13-2009, 12:52 PM
  #6  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
jonb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: N. Hollywood, CA
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yes got the adapter which attached to the bottom of the battery. That made the height ok for the battery hold down. Height is not a problem. It is the two clamps on the hold down that hold the battery..they are a little too far apart for the edges of the battery.
Old 12-13-2009, 11:14 PM
  #7  
Contributing Member
iTrader: (1)
 
rocket's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Colorado
Posts: 4,683
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by jonb
The problem is with the top bracket. There are two angle clamps that hold the side/top of the battery. These appear welded to the top hold down so they can't be moved or adjusted in a little bit. Yes I do have a 35 too.
Look closely at those "L" shaped angle clamps and you'll see both are spot welded- making them very easy to remove.
Remove one (drill) and reattach it (weld) to where you need it.
Old 12-14-2009, 12:22 AM
  #8  
Registered User
 
Mic09dcsm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: San Antonio
Posts: 620
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally Posted by rocket
Look closely at those "L" shaped angle clamps and you'll see both are spot welded- making them very easy to remove.
Remove one (drill) and reattach it (weld) to where you need it.
You think he can weld?
Old 12-14-2009, 01:26 AM
  #9  
Contributing Member
iTrader: (1)
 
rocket's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Colorado
Posts: 4,683
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Mic09dcsm
You think he can weld?
Did you contribute a solution?

I don't weld but doing the same thing.

Not hard to locate a welder through craigslist, friends, fab-shops, etc IF he can't weld.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Scotto6591
84-85 Trucks & 4Runners
7
09-01-2015 03:24 PM
TDonkey
93-98 T100s
0
07-26-2015 10:14 AM
80Truck
Pre 84 Trucks
8
07-24-2015 03:12 PM
mluz013
Newbie Tech Section
1
07-24-2015 12:31 PM
rushw
General Electrical & Lighting Related Topics
4
07-18-2015 01:46 PM



Quick Reply: Optima battery install



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 07:11 PM.