Relocating the Batteries?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: Des Moines, IA
Relocating the Batteries?
I'm going to start by saying I'm a tinkerer. In some cases I just can't leave well enough alone and I like to improve, or at least I think I'm improving on what was original.
With the tight area behind the driver's side battery to put an air filter, the high cost of the nice semi-enclosed cold air boxes and the less than desirable (to me) open air filter laying on the inner fender, which I'm currently doing, it got me to thinking. If I could relocate the driver's side battery to the passenger side somehow that would give me a lot more room to design a cold air intake with a direct line to fresh air and keep water intrusion to a minimum. I measured the passenger side and if I move the battery box forward 2 inches that would give me enough room to install the other battery with the tray behind the coolant recovery tank. Vertical room seems to be more than sufficient and the only other modification would be to relocate the washer bottle.
Maybe this has been attempted before and just isn't worth the work but by removing the batteries and measuring, the only drawback I can see is the location of the battery in close proximity to the exhaust manifold - 8" to 10" or so. Of course some sort of protection could be installed.
Am I way out in left field with this?
With the tight area behind the driver's side battery to put an air filter, the high cost of the nice semi-enclosed cold air boxes and the less than desirable (to me) open air filter laying on the inner fender, which I'm currently doing, it got me to thinking. If I could relocate the driver's side battery to the passenger side somehow that would give me a lot more room to design a cold air intake with a direct line to fresh air and keep water intrusion to a minimum. I measured the passenger side and if I move the battery box forward 2 inches that would give me enough room to install the other battery with the tray behind the coolant recovery tank. Vertical room seems to be more than sufficient and the only other modification would be to relocate the washer bottle.
Maybe this has been attempted before and just isn't worth the work but by removing the batteries and measuring, the only drawback I can see is the location of the battery in close proximity to the exhaust manifold - 8" to 10" or so. Of course some sort of protection could be installed.
Am I way out in left field with this?
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
It will be interesting how this goes.I just did my own DIY filter and am not satisfied with the open element.But I like the added breathing.I to cant leave well enough alone either.It also greatly increased the noise factor.As far as the heat goes I think I saw a heat shield kit in either jegs or summit.I will keep an eye on this.Pike
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
Likes: 3
From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
DG I have considered relocating the batteries as well. There is always a need for more room in the engine compartment. I would consider the frame or box. But make sure if you do either of those up the cable size for the longer run.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: Des Moines, IA
I hadn't considered anywhere other than the engine compartment until trike brought it up. It would have to be fairly weather proof and out of site yet accessible - I like staying off the ground as much as possible. Maybe if I added a tool box I could do something with that.
Any thoughts? Anyone seen a nice setup?
Any thoughts? Anyone seen a nice setup?
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
Likes: 3
From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
You could get some gell cell's that can mount in any direction and that would open up your possiblilies on the frame. Also you could consider one large truck battery if you do go to the frame that way you only need to mount and wire 1 battery instead of two.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: Des Moines, IA
Ya know what I need? (besides a newer truck).... Remember those older Ford truck beds that had the compartments in the sides? Ya, that would work well for this.
I suppose I could mount an 8-D style battery but, yikes, they weigh a ton! That would have to go in the bed.
Hmmmm, what to do......
I suppose I could mount an 8-D style battery but, yikes, they weigh a ton! That would have to go in the bed.
Hmmmm, what to do......
Trending Topics
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,292
Likes: 5
From: NJ where fun comes to die
Ford has a box that mounts on the frame and keeps the weather out. I like the idea of a small tool box better, somewhere in the bed. They have those small side boxes that open from the top. And there are different shape batteries. Get a longer thinner one. I am not sure what the correct cable is. I would think you could use a heavy welding cable.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mustangmike6996
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Jul 26, 2015 12:34 PM
jimandnena
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
7
Jun 25, 2014 11:36 AM
