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Hello all,
With the rising cost and shorter life expectancy, I’m in need of a new battery and need advice on which battery has done the best for you and why. I’m currently using a group 56 on my 86’ XLT Lariat with a 302, with AOD. What other sizes will fit? Not looking to do the high end AGM style. Thanks for the help with this.
I checked interstate batteries for your truck and only one came up. It was a group 56.
Seems many battery mfgrs have battery look ups. Try your favorite brand's battery look up.
I've had excellent results with interstate batteries. Others have had issues. Go with what you know. Get one that fits your hold down set up. If you have the original hold down that will limit your width. Your battery pan would limit the length.
Where's my 11-foot pole? You may as well have asked which oil is best? Maybe we should discuss politics?
I've been very happy with the top of the line offerings from a certain auto parts chain named after a famous wine-producing valley in California. I use them in all my vehicles.
Whatever brand and size you get, be aware most stores offer various price points. They'll typically have a low quality version to compete on price against discounters. They'll also have higher end stuff with the best quality, and stuff in between. In my over-inflated opinion, you do get what you pay for, so don't go cheap.
Shows you in NC so you are not in an "extreme" temperature environment. If you are using your truck for just "normal" chores then consider replacing the battery with something as close to an OEM battery as possible.
Same weight, plates and warranty. Should put you about mid-range on price, also.
JMHO
I have started buying "used" batteries and they have been working well. If you have a interstate battery store, they should have them. Some Autozone stores have them. Advance auto has them. They are brand new batteries that have set on the shelf too long for them to sell them as new. They usually give you a 30 day warranty.
Just take your tape measure and measure your battery. You will find a lot of batteries are mostly the same size. And then take note of the + and - locations. If your battery cables have some extra length, most of the time you and turn the battery around if the + and - are swapped and get it to work.
When I lived in CT I used Interstate batteries as they did me pretty good over the years but down here in NC I dont know where to get them and most of the time I need it now so I hit the local parts store.
As for "Shows you in NC so you are not in an "extreme" temperature environment." we may not have really cold temps, but during the summer it dose get pretty hot, close to 100*f a lot, and add under hood heat and that will kill a battery just as fast as cold.
Down here (NC) I dont worry to much about the CCA because it does not get that cold but I also dont have anything that has to crank a lot like a diesel, before it fires up.
Dave ----
Where's my 11-foot pole? You may as well have asked which oil is best? Maybe we should discuss politics?
I've been very happy with the top of the line offerings from a certain auto parts chain named after a famous wine-producing valley in California. I use them in all my vehicles.
Napa Valley is famous for wine grapes but National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA), is a great place for finding good parts.
I'm pretty sure I read in the FTE guidelines that politics is off the table unless it directly relates to Ford Trucks, like emissions, titles, registrations and other areas where polyticks overlaps...
In 1986 the heavy duty battery offering in new trucks was the 64, about thirteen inches long. My truck came with one. Right now I'm running a 52. It is slightly larger than a lawn tractor battery
Custom hold down.
One thing to keep in mind when asking for a battery for these trucks is that they will look it up and find the 56 as the battery recommended. It's not that common a size. Chances are, not stocked.
I run a group 65. Of course I went to the part store and they told me I needed a group 56 but it just doesn't seem to fit in the battery hold down as well as the 65 does. And to boot I've previously used a 56 and it just didn't have the power properly start [my truck] emphasis on My truck. I don't know about other people's trucks but my 86 f150 ran through 2 starters and a starter solenoid during the year and half period of time I used a group 56. Second time the starter went out my mechanic mentioned my battery looked too small so I got a bigger battery and haven't had a problem since.
but as always take my words with a grain of salt as I am a young man and your truck might not have the same ticks mine does
Buy a Walmart battery with the replacement warranty. When itcraps the bed before the warranty has expired (it will) you get a new battery every year or two.
If l ever get an Everstart battery to outlive it's warranty, I'll be buying a different battery. The two that l have left, like ALL Everstart batteries, were in vehicles when l bought them.
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