I've been researching these today and they appear to be a very good battery. I found several threads on here where folks recommended them. Here's the two I'm looking at.....

Model 9934/DC: 935CA, 750CCA, and 100Rc This is their deep cycle/starter battery model. Very similar dimensions to the Yellow Top Optima. Price is $165.99 at NAPA

Model 9934/78: 950CA, 770CCA, and 95Rc This is their basic starter battery model. Again, similar dimensions to the Yellow Top. Price is $125.99 at NAPA

I do have alot of accessory lighting and stereo equipment that is run when the truck is on, but that's not really my concern. My question is about the inverter. When tailgating, I want to power a 20" TV through my inverter and not have to worry about cranking the truck every 20-30 minutes like I do now with my stock battery. I've read several threads on here where folks' Optimas crapped out on them prematurely. That scares me. Granted they have a good warranty, but that's alot of head ache. I also don't like the fact that the cables won't reach on the Optima. I'm going to go by NAPA tonight and measure the distance between the terminal and the edge of the battery to see if it will be a direct replacement for what I've got without having to extend any of the cables. I will of course need a spacer since these, like the Optimas, are shorter than stock.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Matt

 

Matt,
I have the "Orbital" battery and the model I got is a direct bolt-in. No lengthening of the cables or spacer. I have had it for about nine months now and have no problems.
I also have aftermarket stereo equipment and a winch.

I am sure Joey (netwt12) will chime in as he just bought a new Orbital after his 7yr old Orbital finally crapped out.

**edit**
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/question-optima-batteries-69328/
Also- looking back I got the 9934/78.

 

TerryJ,
Any idea what the Amp/Hr rating is for your battery?

Matt

 

Not the foggiest clue??

 

I have one in my Jeep Wrangler. It lasted 3 years then went bad. It still had part of the prorated warrenty left. Cost me $82 to get a new one. The battery in my Jeep sees a lot of abuse bouncing around of road. Overall I can recommend it although I thought it would have lasted longer. Also heat can kill a battery and here in Az. it gets to 120 in the summer.

 

Hey LSU if you have any real plans as far as stereo/lights etc you will have to replace every part of your wiring to the battery, commonly called "The Big 3". With that, why not just get a standard sized battery (IE not backward terminals) knowing you'll have to upgrade anyway. I can link you to my pages where I put a 200 amp GM alternator in where the stocker used to be for $200. I'm not an expert, but I have a LOT of experience in the 12 volt world. Good work checking on the Exide. Heavy=good in the world of batteries.

 

I have an Exide orbital. I love it! I lengthened the ground wired from the side wall, but I haven't lengthened any other wires (I probably should)... it's in there pretty tight.

 

As stated i have no complaints. it's an easy install, it bolts right up and lasts a good while.

 

i have one, but i got a killer deal on it.....

i have heard form a very rtusted friend that used to work @ kragen's that they were notorious for having bad calls... you gotta watch out for that....

opima is the way to go in my poninion, and considering you can get an optima at costco for $100 there really isnt a reason not to get one

 

bad calls? Huh?

 

ops that was a typo... it was bad cells

 

TerryJ and Netwt,
I just don't see how it will just drop in. There's hardly any slack at all on those two smaller cables going to the fuse box and the terminals on the Exide Orbital are in the center of the battery, unlike my stock one which has the terminals right at the back of the battery. Are your cables stretched tight as a drum to make them fit?

Matt

 

Optima and be done with it.I have one thats 8 and 1/2 yeras old and it dosent eat my battery cables and frame up!

 

I will post up some pics when I get a day off and its light out.
The battery cables are not stretched too tight and IIRC it just dropped right in.

 

Loosened the "+" battery cable and turn it 90 degrees and everything works just fine.

And YES, I know my ground strap is fried. It had nothing to do w/ the battery install.
That's what happens when you dont properly ground a winch thats pulling some serious juice!

 

Thanks TerryJ!!

Matt

 

Matt,
Did you ever decide on a battery?

 

my dad has them in two of his mustangs. he's never had to charge them and the cars sit maybe they get started every other few months. good batterys

 

TerryJ,
Kind of ironic. A week before the LSU/Alabama game, my stock battery died on me. I know my wife thinks I did it intentionally, but I didn't. Yeah, I got one and I love it. I ran my TV and amplified antenna for about 2 1/2 hours before the game and no problems at all. I love the battery. Thanks for the advice.

Matt

 

I've got one in my land cruiser, the primary of my dual batts. So far so good.. chose it over Optima because I know a lot of folks that have had Optimas die on them, mostly reds & yellows.

oh yeah, first post! where's the flipoff icon..