Is it so unusual to want a battery that FITS my battery compartment and stock hold down brackets?

So I went to my local Ford dealership to get a new Motorcraft battery, and the battery they sold me (BXT-56) was physically too small for my battery brackets. The battery is a good 3 inches away from reaching the top hold down brace bolted to the radiator support that holds the battery in place. They were not much help and they looked at me like I had two heads when I explained to them I wanted a battery that fits my truck. I checked the Motorcraft website, and this is indeed the correct size that is called for, but the small physical size does not fit these trucks well AT ALL. Is there another Motorcraft battery that is bigger and actually FITS?

So then I went to my local Sears and they pointed me to a battery that is the correct size, but not one that FITS. It was about the same size as the Motorcraft battery. Does anyone have a part number for a DieHard battery that fits?

In my quest to find a battery that fits, I did come across an Exide battery that is the correct size. But I hear a lot of issues with these batteries. Has anyone had any problems with Exide batteries, or can recommend a battery that actually FITS our trucks?

 

I run twin exide batteries in my 82 f250 and have never had a problem with them, I also run one in my 07 taurus and its been in there for 3 years.

 

I have a different battery fit problem with my 1981 F100 that has a different battery
hold setup than 83 up I think. My problem is the battery that is called for the truck
is wider than the battery hold down which over time will result in the plastic breaking.
I have an after market generic holddown that is metal and does hold the battery but is
still not wide enough for a good fit. I bought a reproduction battery holddown from LMC
truck but will not install it until I find a battery that fits it.

 

There is a Napa "Legend" series battery that Fits (i.e. is big enough and posts on the correct side). I bought it and was installing it it the Napa parking lot when I noted it was oozing a significant volume of clear fluid out of its top. Unnacceptable for a new and expensive battery. So I took it back inside where I was told it was the only one of its kind in stock.

So I had to settle for a smaller-sized Napa Legend battery that at least didn't leak. It is too small for the stock holder, but comes with an H-shaped rubber adapter piece that makes it fit tight in the stock battery holder. I agree, it is an irritating compromise.

 

My 83 has a group 24 and the 87 has a group 65

 

I don't understand what "group" means, and that doesn't tell me if the batteries you have are going to fit my stock battery brackets or not.

The '83 and '87 model years uses completely different battery trays and brackets. Does the battery in your '83 actually fit? If so, what brand and/or model number is it?

 

I too use a group 24F, and it fits rather well in the battery tray and would accept the factory hold down, if I had one.

The "Group" number refers to physical size.

 

I have an Exide battery in my '81 I got at Wal Mart a few years ago, it's been just fine so far.

Yes, I believe it's Group 24F you want, look in your Owner's Manual.

 

It looks like I owe pintoches an apology then. Sorry Chief. And thanks for answering my question.

Now that we have all that straight, can someone recommend a GOOD group 24F battery for my 1985 302? Does Motorcraft or DieHard offer one in that size?

 

There are 2 versions of the group 24. 24 & 24F/R. The difference is the posts. Some suppliers still use the 24F, others call it a 24R (Reversed posts).
I use a walmart "Max" (yellow top) in my truck. Started in sub zero temps, facing into the wind, with 15W-40 motor oil.

 

I gotta interstate in my 80 fits the mounts like a glove but wasnt a cheap battery.

 

Napas are made by deka. Are the only two batteries that will go in any of my trucks

Interstate used to be good, but have gone to shi+ in the past couple years and exide have been garbage for years!

 

Motorcraft does have group 24 size batteries. My local dealer bought me one but it was too big for my stock brackets, but the smaller one BXT-56 fit well on mine, but it was a little shorter..

 

I don't have a Ford battery cracket, just a cheapy replacement that clamps in same location... That being said, I just went and found the biggest battery that would fit the dimensions I had. Turns out to be an 1100 CCA marine battery. Works great. Once lost my alternator belt in the woods and drove over an hour home with no alternator at night with lights on. Ignition never cut out. Got home, shut it off, then tried starting just for fun. Fired right up.

So yeah, just measure your dimensions and get the largest capacity that will fit.

 

I use a group 65, fits fine in my truck.