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My old green top interstate has been a great battery. 6 years and now finally starting to go. What are you guys using for batteries? What cca are you using?
If you can afford it go with an AGM battery. It helps cut down on terminal corrosion problems and under hood rust from gasses and possible spillage. Some people say they've never had leaks with a regular lead acid filled battery but I've never had nothing but leaks from the top of them and that includes a couple of Interstate batteries. I don't even drive a 4WD!
I don't like to take corners at legal speeds though. I H-A-T-E regular batteries!
Best AGM battery back when used to be the Optima, not anymore.
The battery that everybody seems to like these days is the Odyssey.
Most say the Sears Die Hard Platinum is an Odyssey clone for less money.
I'm currently using the Sears Die Hard Platinum. Had it for about a year and a half without problems. Previous battery was an Interstate that I never had trouble with, but replaced it after 5 years. Why take the chance?
I've had a Die-Hard Gold in my 4Runner for 8 years and I've had no problems with that battery ever. It's been an excellent battery. It's a group 25 by the way. I have a Toyota True Start Battery in my 88 pickup that does very very well so far, group 25 as well. Been in the truck for 2 years. My 81 pickup has a die-hard platinum battery that's been in for 4 years, again with no problems. I don't think they make die-hard platinum batteries anymore, but they are excellent batteries.
Highest Capacity Battery and Group Number That Will Fit
Hi guys,
My battery is over 4 years old now, so I;m starting to shop for replacement. I would like to get the AGM type. In your experience, What's the highest capacity battery and group size that would fit in the first-gen 4Runner without much modification?
I know that Chefyota4x4 used this below, but I believe that particular battery has been discontinued.
That battery looks like a group 34. Is that the biggest we could fit in the first-gen?
Looking to find one less than $200.
Sears Platinum, 850 CCA Group 34/78(?) From ChefYota4x4's thread
The critical dimension is going to be primarily height, secondary to width, it needs to fit in the tie and not be a bear to get the ground attached.
The battery I took out in January had the terminals the wrong way around (positive near fender), had to inspect what they had on the self for one in the suggested group to find one the right way around.
Subtext I don't have any relative experience to relate other than measure from the fender to the centerline of the tiedown as well as the battery support to the lower lip of the fender. Might be worth checking the hood braces do not go lower than that last measurement to get a height.
OK, I figured, since I do not use much gadgets and I prefer a roomy engine compartment and a full pocket, I got size 25 Interstate with 650 CCA from Costco @ $74 plus tax;. In stock at the store, and better deal than Walmart, parts store and AAA.
Speaking of old threads and old batteries . . . I may regret saying this but . . .
The battery in my '84 has a 05 (as in 2005) sticker on it. Yes RAD I can provide picture evidence. Right now I don't recall if it was in the truck when I got it in 2010 or if it's from something else.
I can't make out the brand or any of the specs, but it is a small one. It doesn't seem to be any of the higher end brands. The positive battery gods have blessed me and my Toy. OOOOOHHHHHMMMMMs.
Far as Optimas go I've used them in race cars when weight wasn't an issue. One was in an off road car. It took a beating like the rest of the car (and my kidneys) and liked it.
... The battery in my '84 has a 05 (as in 2005) sticker on it...Far as Optimas ...
I believe you. I've heard of stock batteries like Panasonic lasting a long time.
I've heard mixed reviews with Optima's and given that I use minimal electricity (just personal electronics) and hopefully get rid of the stupid roll-up window, I do not need a high-end battery. If ever my battery needs increase, I'd rather have 2 smaller batteries (Size 25 for cranking, and small deep-cycle for accessories), than one large one.
Originally Posted by se7enine
Interstate... retail store nearby....
Yep. Here, it's Costco. Walmart, auto parts stores and AAA sell theirs upwards of $100.
My father-in-law is an Interstate dealer. I get "refurbished" batteries for $30. These are batteries that people returned thinking there was something wrong with them, not knowing that the issue was with their vehicle.
Timely thread. My wife just called me this morning with a dead battery an hour away from the house.
Last edited by rustypigeon; 03-13-2018 at 06:13 AM.
this was in my cj for several years, then i put it in my 4runner when the wal-mart battery that came with it crapped out. i used it in the 4r for two years, now it's back in the cj. i replaced it (in the 4r) with another red top, except without the side posts (a group 25 series) - i got a great deal on amazon @ $140.70 delivered.
using this to maintain/desulfate/destratify several batteries, including the red top (photo shows it topping off the 6v from my tractor):
10-18-2015, 11:16 PM
Right now I don't recall if it was in the truck when I got it in 2010 or if it's from something else.
OOOOOHHHHHMMMMMs.
