I am looking to get a new battery for my '98 4Runner and I would like to get an Optima. I am told since I have an inverter, PS2, TV, stereo, air compressor, etc that I should get a Yellow top as opposed to a Red top. Is this correct or is the Yellow top overkill and a Red will work just fine?

When I went to Sears to buy one on Tuesday (they are only $130 there), according to their computer, the Yellow isn't even available for my 4Runner, only the Red. So, they couldn't give me a part number for the battery.

Does anyone know what model Yellow top would fit into my truck? The only issue I've heard with the Optima's is that the battery cables aren't log enough to reach the Optima post locations. I want this to be a drop in battery... no screwing around with the cables if possible.

Any help would be great as I would like to get the battery today or tomorrow morning before my trip to AB. Thanks.

 

Tada!
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...0&postcount=17



PS, go for the Yellow!

 

So the red is no good for my setup then? Too bad, it's like $80-100 everywhere isntead of $130-170. I always gotta have that chmpagne taste on a beer budget.

 

Not true. I have a huge stereo, lights....and run a red top. No issues

 

It depends, are you gonna run all that shat with the car off? Yellow would probably be better, but red would be fine. red is like 109.00 at autozone

 

The only things I run with the car off is the TV/PS2 and sometimes the compressor (when airing back up or to inflate soccer balls). But the PS2 is usually on when we leave the car for a short time because the daughter doesn't want to lose her game or lose her place in the movie she was watching. Most of th etime, the stuff is on when the car is on

 

based on that, then I would save some $$$ a get the Red.

 

You have a 4Runner right? What model/part number do you have for your red?

 

34R is the optima redtop model to get

its in like 100 threads

 

I think yellow top is better. Deep cycle batt. is better for sitting. I have a blue top in my 4-runner and it sits on base for a mounth and sit for 5 months with out being started. Came home and started it right up.

 

Mine is my DD and it doesn't site for more than a day if even that. So, the blue (and maybe the yellow) would be unnecessary.

 

What's the difference between the 34/78 and the 34? Doe sthe R is 34R mean anything?

 

R means reverse as in the + and - poles are reversed.

i got a blue. i want a battery i don't ever have to worry about. a quick cable extension and it's in. the accesory terminal posts are nice too.

 

34 R means reverse poles. They didnt make a optima to fit the 3rd gen runners. so u want the 34R so u dont have to extend ur cables. I like they yellow top b/c of its extra poles to mount accesories

ahh..he beat me to it

 

the genius at sears told me the R stood for RED.

 

hahaha. oh gotta love stupid employees.

 

Not to beat a dead horse, but like everybody said red is def better for your purposes. Only get a yellow if you are going to frequently use it/drain it till it gets to the stage of only 10% power left. There is AMAZING amounts of info also at www.caraudioforum.com about these 2 batts.

Rule of thumb your starting battery should ALWAYS be a redtop. I have learned the hardway my first yellow top died in 2.5 years and optima said what I just typed above when I called them (without the caraudioforum recommendation of course )

 

sounds like red is the best bet... now just gotta find one in stock! thanks guys

 

Yeah, I couldn't find a Redtop Optima in stock ANYWHERE, so I bought an Exide Orbital. It's the same type of battery, just different brand.

 

Me too.