4th-gen Battery (Optima?)

[tkr128]

I need to replace the battery on my 4Runner soon, it's 4 years old and lately, I've noticed it takes a little bit longer to start than it used to.

I've been reading up on the Optima batteries and feel like a red top would be a good choice for me. All the battery replacement guides I've seen say the 2003+ 4Runners use a group size 24F, but the batteries they suggest also include group size 35 batteries. Optima offers a 35, but the 35's are a bit small though, anybody have one on their 4Runner? Or would the 34R be the better choice? I'm pretty bad at making modifications to get things to fit, so something that goes in without needing too much work done is what I'm looking for. Ideas?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Spider5]

34R but you will need some shims

 

[tkr128]

Got the new Optima Red Top 34R in. Took me a few trips to different places, but found an Interstate Battery distributor that carries it.

The fit is okay, it's pretty small compared to the stock battery. I used the cover and put it on the bottom to get it up to the same height as the stock battery. The terminals on the Optima are located further away from the edges and made it difficult to get the negative side onto the terminal since the ground wire is so short (which is why I had to mount it off to the right).

Should I be worried about problems with having the mounting bracket off center or the ground wire being very tight?

 

[tkr128]

battery in car

 

[jwyshrek]

Looks fine to me, but I'd be concern with the metal bracket being closer to that positive terminal...in some sort of accident, if the bracket comes in contact with the positive terminal...it could create a short and cause a fire.

I guess this is an issue with the stock OEM battery as well, but seems like you have less of a safety margin with the Optima battery.

However, is the metal bracket grounded? I never looked but is the battery try metal or some sort of plastic composite?

It is just me, but I'd feel better with a plastic/composite battery bracket.

J

 

[tomhaney1]

Wrap the bracket with electrical tape and you should be fine...The Optima may be smaller but is definitely more formidable!

 

[keylay31]

How long are the stock batteries supposed to last?

 

[Atlanta_man]

I was thinking of putting up a poll asking how long 4th gen batteries lasted...

Shopping around and planning to change mine before the cooler weather rolls in.

 

[Even Steven]

Just get a load test performed on your battery instead of replacing it because it's getting old. The original battery in my last new car lasted seven years, so I'm glad I didn't replace it after just three or four years.

The battery in my 4Runner is now 3 years old and still strong. It doesn't even budge during a load test of 15 seconds.

 

[gkatmar]

Looks good. I'm also looking at getting an Optima battery. I currently have a Kicker 400 watt amp, Eclipse AVN600 with sirius and ipod control, as well as Piaa driving lights and Hella fog lights.

Which Optima battery would be best for me? Yellow or Red?

 

[Baba Booey]

I thought 4th Gen batteries were a group 31. I think Optima sells a yellow-top group 31 battery that would fit in the 4Runner and is more "heavy duty" than the 34.

Here's a link:

D31A Yellow-Top Specs

 

[tomhaney1]

Ya, which is exactly designed for the V8? Optima's website is junk and I can't find the proper fitment. Also, I might have a line on them for 100 dollars each, if anyone's interested?

 

[gkatmar]

I would be interested.

 

[tomhaney1]

I need the exact product number though...

 

[gkatmar]

I want a Yellow Top, but I'm not sure which one would work??

 

[Noloc]

I'd be interested in one.

 

[Pincushion]

A red top would be more suitable for cranking amps. A yellow top would work better if you have extra loads like a winch, off road lights, stereos, etc....

 

[tomhaney1]

I need the model number to ask the idiot if he has the right one(s). He just has a bunch left over from a liquidation and doesn't have a clue which are suppose to work for what...So, if anyone wants a particular one I will email him.

 

[tomhaney1]

A red top would be more suitable for cranking amps. A yellow top would work better if you have extra loads like a winch, off road lights, stereos, etc....

So, there is only one red top and one yellow top? Am I getting this correct?

I'm leaving the computer for the next 4 hours so if anyone wants to email me the difinitive answer that would be greatly appreciated. It will go to my phone...

[email protected]

 

[Pincushion]

Red tops, blue tops, and yellow tops come in many sizes to fit different vehicles. The colors have to do with the different battery types. The blue top is a deep cycle marine battery. Red is for cranking amps. Yellow is for inbetween uses like starting your truck and also running a winch...

Double check the manufactured date code. If it's more than 6 months old, don't buy it. Batteries go bad if they are not charged regularly. Technically, they can charge it and use a sticker to change the date code and any warranties begin timing on date of sale. I don't like that because you have no way of knowing how or when they recharged it. Take your old battery in for an exchange or they will charge you a core charge. Recyclers pay $.15/lb in some places if you don't exchange your old battery.