Went to turn over the 4Runner this morning, and guess what? Dead battery.

That's right folks, 72K miles on the original battery. Not too bad.

So, I decided to give "Green" a little treat. A nice Optima Red Top battery!

I picked it up at Autozone for $115.



Only problem is I had to turn it on it's side for the + and - cables to reach. A minor drawback.

The reason I got it at Autozone is that they are all over the country, and have a no questions asked 3 year return policy on it. It's prorated thereafter.

My 4Runner has never fired up so fast! It was almost instantaneous. And my 4Runner was sitting for 48 hours.

 

Purty. I didn't know Optimas could be mounted any direction (inverted, too?) but I've never owned one. You'd think that the electrolyte gel would eventually expose part of the plate, allowing it to dry and flake and causing a short. Nice mod, even though your OEM lasted a long time in the battery-killing desert heat.

 

Good point. I just assumed I could mount it sideways because it was "spill proof."

Hmmm, I might need to check on that!

Anybody know?

 

.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...=16046#newpost

starting 3rd from the bottom...

 

So is that smiley showing up now?

 

I did a quick look through the Optima website and saw their claim that yours could be mounted in ALMOST any position. I didn't see what positions are bad, though. It also says that high-draw things like winches should be connected to the top terminals only. Good Powerpoint presentation there.

 

Unfortunately, no
Not from my computer anyway

It's okay though... I've grown rather attached to the "."

 

Optimas can be mounted in any position - even upside down.

 

I just installed a red top in my dad's truck today too. The 13 year old battery that originally came w/ the truck decided it was time to go. Got the Optima from Costco for $99.

 

LOL... Ironically, I bought one for my truck too, yesterday!

My other battery was cutting it either. The last few starts were just bearly even with the A/C off.

However, I bought mine at KAR LIFE(On 35 just south of ROOSEVELT). They buy the "left-overs" so to speak............

Mine was $54 and cents.

I was really optimistic of buying it there, as it wasn't even my intention just that I asked the guy and he told me and I was like, hell, I'll take it.

6 months free replacement.

But just like you said CHRISTIAN, it start so instantanously.

What ever it last is cool with me, after it goes out, I'm definitely getting one from AUTO ZONE.

 

It just so happens that I need a new battery for my 4Runner. It still has the original battery after 127k!
Starting has become a challenge.

So, is the red Optima the way to go?

 

I have 83,000 and my battery still seems to keep going strong...for now anyway but I don't want to go to the "last amp hour".:pat:

Is redtop still the best choice, or yellow?

Mick

 

I have heard nothing but good reviews from many sources about the red tops. I must be an exception?

My first one lasted a little over a year and then died.
My 2nd one only lasted me 9 months.

Both times I had the charging system checked and everything was fine. I also had them check for some unknow drain on the battery other then the clock and things like that and there were none.

They got tired of giving me the red tops back and last month gave me a yellow top instead?

Hope this one lasts longer?

:beaver:

 

to solve this problem check this out....
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...&highlight=34r

So for anyone else looking for a Optima make sure you get the 34r because you wont have to extend the cables or tip it on the side.

 

I got my 34R Red Top (the reverse one) at some battery place around Alma School and Baseline. When I got there I realized I knew the guy who worked there and he hooked me up with a great deal. Lucky me.

I've run it dead a few times playing with the stereo and she is still tip-top once I get her charged again. I love those batteries.


Dan

 

I have a 1"body lift, so my positive cable is already tight. I wonder if I will be able to get away with not extending it? I really wasn't looking to spend so much $$$.
I did a search on this forum and found a thread where someone wanted feedback on Optima vs Interstate. Someone strongly advised Interstate because it had higher cranking amps ratings and cost less. Does anyone have any input on that?

(Here's that thread for reference)

 

I was under the impression that Optima was made by Interstate.

As for the battery cables, there is a 1" spacer that comes with the battery to put it at stock height. I bet if you didn't use that spacer you would be in great shape.

The only problem with that is you would have to buy or fab a battery holder, because without that spacer the stock battery clamp will not hold the battery. (I tried it)

Dan

 

Yep, I had to do that too. Nothing a vice and a hammer didn't solve.

Its funny cause if you go to the Optima site and enter in a 96 4Runner, they say no matches found. I guess I know why.

 

Little known fact is that spacer will go on TOP of the battery also.

Just connect it up, clip the spacer ON TOP then the stock clamp works just fine.

David

BTW, I was told we needed the Orange Top for our trucks...eg. the posts are reversed.

 

alright, so please help me get this straight...
The Optima is shorter in height than the stock battery? If this is the case then I should be fine as far as the positive cable length goes. The only issue then would be the battery hold down right? I can always find away around that. I'm not understanding why Christian had to mount his "red top" as a red side. This is because he didn't get one with reversed poles?
sorry for all the questions.