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Optima Batteries

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Old Feb 26, 2010 | 07:40 PM
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Optima Batteries

So I'm finally getting rid of the original battery, and I'm looking at replacing it with an Optima series. The question though is hood height. The documents for it specifically state check for adequate clearance under the hood.

Anybody know if an optima series battery will fit under the hood of a 2000 Ranger 3.0?
What about battery hold-downs? I notice that this battery takes special types.
 
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Old Feb 26, 2010 | 08:31 PM
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dont know about your vehicle but I have red tops in my 94 and wifes 01 accord. Use basic hold down aftermarket type, the kind that goes overe the top and is held with 2 j bolts.

Dont get a yellow top as they are only 1 year warranty and the one my son got just barely lasted over a year so no warranty on it.
 
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Old Feb 26, 2010 | 09:15 PM
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Be forewarned the Optima production has been moved to China and the product quality has suffered badly.(they are now considered pretty much junk)
 
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Old Feb 26, 2010 | 09:24 PM
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yeah, the Optimas have really gone down in quality, wouldn't even consider them anymore.
 
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Old Feb 26, 2010 | 10:04 PM
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Really?? I have a buddy who is typically spot on with products and he was raving about them.

I might run this past him - see what he thinks. I'd hate to think a 150 dollar sealed battery is "junk" - especially when compared with normal Sears Diehards at 80 bucks.
 
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Old Feb 27, 2010 | 08:03 AM
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If the orginal battery lasted you 10 years I would stay with Motorcraft.
 
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Old Feb 27, 2010 | 08:36 AM
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My Motorcraft batteries have lasted me 9-10 years also & are half the cost of the Optima, so it would have to last 18-20 years to be even money!!!!

Some more battery thoughts for pondering.
 
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Old Feb 27, 2010 | 02:47 PM
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Well for what it's worth I did actually get a Motorcraft battery. In the end I made the same decision a lot of you seem to have - the original lasted 10 years, might as well get another.

On a side note: I also had to replace the negative battery cable - the terminal clamp cracked and I suspect accelerated the death of my battery too.

I talked to the dealer and he said the replacement part was considered by Ford to be obsolete - there are only 3 left in the Wisconsin (?) werehouse. So I boogied over to NAPA and their OEM replacement was 67 bucks - I didn't realize the cable was a siamese style. But, I did end up cutting off the clamp, then bolting on a replacement terminal. Not how I would like to have done it - but it was the only way.
 
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Old Feb 27, 2010 | 03:59 PM
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As long as the cable had clean wires after you cut it you should be fine! I think you made the best choice cost wise for a battery.
 
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Old Feb 27, 2010 | 05:01 PM
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Originally Posted by eigenvector
Well for what it's worth I did actually get a Motorcraft battery. In the end I made the same decision a lot of you seem to have - the original lasted 10 years, might as well get another.

On a side note: I also had to replace the negative battery cable - the terminal clamp cracked and I suspect accelerated the death of my battery too.

I talked to the dealer and he said the replacement part was considered by Ford to be obsolete - there are only 3 left in the Wisconsin (?) werehouse. So I boogied over to NAPA and their OEM replacement was 67 bucks - I didn't realize the cable was a siamese style. But, I did end up cutting off the clamp, then bolting on a replacement terminal. Not how I would like to have done it - but it was the only way.
You might consider this kind of fix, as it would likely be more permanent, as it'll seal the wire strand connection to the post clamp.
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - View Single Post - b4000 voltmeter bounce
 
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