Last night I replaced the passenger-side battery. I know, you're supposed to replace them both at the same time, but I'm a cheap SOB and it seems only the one was bad.


However the new battery is a tad taller than OEM. Installing the hold down, the bolts are different lengths, the one closest to the fender fit but the longer one is about a half inch too short. Can't get the nut started.


Does Ford make one of these a little longer than original? Any suggestions?

 

I doubt it. I'd take it to your local nut/bolt supply and see if they have something.

 

ok, so I had a similar experience replacing the batt's on my 2011. those brackets have a hook on the bottom that hook into the area at the bottom of the battery. It is very easy to push it down when placing the new battery into the cubby hole. in my case it got pushed all the way down, and fishing it back out was a chore. Are you sure that something like that isn't the case? I was sure that both of the hold downs were physically the same length.


Also, you might measure the old/new battery to see if they are the same size. It would surprise me that they weren't if you bought the battery that was spec'd to fit.

 

I just took a look on Tousely's website for part numbers:


BATTERY for 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty


Looks like the hooks are the same on each side(i.e. same part number for both hooks for left side battery, and separate part number for right side battery).


So, I'd say you have one hook that's not seated correctly. there is a diagram at the link I posted above.