Notices
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series All Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series models

Optima Batteries

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 26, 2010 | 07:40 PM
  #1  
eigenvector's Avatar
eigenvector
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 827
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
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.
 
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2010 | 08:31 PM
  #2  
Hank85713's Avatar
Hank85713
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,414
Likes: 22
From: Tucson USA
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.
 
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2010 | 09:15 PM
  #3  
wtroger's Avatar
wtroger
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,208
Likes: 13
Be forewarned the Optima production has been moved to China and the product quality has suffered badly.(they are now considered pretty much junk)
 
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2010 | 09:24 PM
  #4  
sandhillmike's Avatar
sandhillmike
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: Archer, Fla
yeah, the Optimas have really gone down in quality, wouldn't even consider them anymore.
 
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2010 | 10:04 PM
  #5  
eigenvector's Avatar
eigenvector
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 827
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
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.
 
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2010 | 08:03 AM
  #6  
bratman2's Avatar
bratman2
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Aurora, NC
If the orginal battery lasted you 10 years I would stay with Motorcraft.
 
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2010 | 08:36 AM
  #7  
pawpaw's Avatar
pawpaw
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Club FTE Gold Member
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.
 
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2010 | 02:47 PM
  #8  
eigenvector's Avatar
eigenvector
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 827
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
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.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-7

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Feb 27, 2010 | 03:59 PM
  #9  
bratman2's Avatar
bratman2
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Aurora, NC
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.
 
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2010 | 05:01 PM
  #10  
pawpaw's Avatar
pawpaw
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Club FTE Gold Member
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
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:34 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-6
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-8
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE