BATTERY - It's time for a new one - suggestions?

[TRD 4RNR]

Someone on this forum did a great write-up on installing a battery (that I think they got from Sears after much research) and replaced the wires with longer ones as the terminals aren't reversed. I'm kicking myself for not bookmarking it - and I can't find it in the search - anyone know where I can find it?

Anyone else have an opinion on the best battery for our 3rd gens?

Thanks
-Mike

 

[StreetCreeper]

Someone on this forum did a great write-up on installing a battery (that I think they got from Sears after much research) and replaced the wires with longer ones as the terminals aren't reversed. I'm kicking myself for not bookmarking it - and I can't find it in the search - anyone know where I can find it?

Anyone else have an opinion on the best battery for our 3rd gens?

Thanks
-Mike

I believe this is what you are looking for.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...wiring-ugrade-3rd-gen-toyota-4runner-how.html

 

[nissanh]

I went with 24F Walmart battery. It has 3 year 100% replacement and 2 years prorated.
Avoid A-zone batteries.

One more thing, that Big Three upgrade, it is adding new wires to the existing wires.
I know the Japanese wires are capable of carrying a good amount of current compared to similar sized wires made by other manufacturers (like Denso Vs other brands). Anybody witnessed any improvements after doing the big-3?

 

[Wjktdi]

Batteries

I went with 24F Walmart battery. It has 3 year 100% replacement and 2 years prorated.
Avoid A-zone batteries.

One more thing, that Big Three upgrade, it is adding new wires to the existing wires.
I know the Japanese wires are capable of carrying a good amount of current compared to similar sized wires made by other manufacturers (like Denso Vs other brands). Anybody witnessed any improvements after doing the big-3?

FWIW: Autozone and Walmart batteries are made by the same company, Johnson Controls. Walmart does have the best price on a lot of sizes, just make sure you check out the cold cranking amps ( CCA) when you're comparing them. The Walmart battery for my A4 failed at about 14 months they replaced it no questions asked or hassles, which is a lot better than the grief Autozone gave me on a Duralast Gold battery in an F150 that failed after only 11 months.

 

[nissanh]

Quality

FWIW: Autozone and Walmart batteries are made by the same company, Johnson Controls. Walmart does have the best price on a lot of sizes, just make sure you check out the cold cranking amps ( CCA) when you're comparing them. The Walmart battery for my A4 failed at about 14 months they replaced it no questions asked or hassles, which is a lot better than the grief Autozone gave me on a Duralast Gold battery in an F150 that failed after only 11 months.

I heard many getting their A-zone batteries failing in 4-5 months. Some even replace alternators for nothing. After getting the free replacement from A-zone, again the same thing in few months (less than 6 months). This time A-zone return 50% of what you pay. Total loss.

I used Toyota, NAPA and Walmart batteries (all are made by Jonson controls but the quality is what matters) and no problem in for 5 years.

 

[blaze17]

Die Hard Platinum

 

[vt325xi]

Walmart top of the line Everstart battery OEM size in my 4Runner. From the AZ heat to the VT cold it's been fine. Price, warranty and access to a Walmart in every state so much better for me as I travel all over the USA.

 

[ThorInc]

Dang, you are going to get a lot of different opinions with that general a question. There are different types of batteries that perform differently and that are also priced differently. Narrow it down to the type of battery you want (AGM, spiral cell, etc.) and the price range you want to be in and then you can get a more comparable choice group.

 

[Keith M]

Sears Die Hard Gold

For what it's worth...I just replaced mine and looked it up in Consumr. Repts (monthly subscription) prior to making the purchase. Sears Die Hard Gold (recommended) is the number one rated 24F battery with "excellent" in all three categories: Life, Reserve cap. and CCR. List $140.

Everstart (MAXX) was next (Best Buy $85), then Interstate (Megatron) (Recommended $125). Both with excellent in Life and very good in Reserve Cap., and CCR.

 

[GangsterOfLove]

Hit me up in a few years and I'll be able to tell you about Interstate batteries from Costco. I've installed five of them in the last six months - three to replace A-Zone batteries that failed prematurely on three different vehicles and two more deep cycle batteries for my trailer.

All I know for sure at this point is they are a lot less expensive than A-Zone batteries and Consumer Reports doesn't hate them.

 

[TheDurk]

Hit me up in a few years and I'll be able to tell you about Interstate batteries from Costco. I've installed five of them in the last six months - three to replace A-Zone batteries that failed prematurely on three different vehicles and two more deep cycle batteries for my trailer.

All I know for sure at this point is they are a lot less expensive than A-Zone batteries and Consumer Reports doesn't hate them.

I was disappointed when Costco switched from their branded batteries (I think they were made by Johnson Controls, at least some of the time.)

I had used Interstate prior to switching to Costco, and I'd say my results were good, but not great. Four years was sort of typical. I have two Costco batteries that are north of five years and going strong. I've never replaced any of them.

I have also had very good results with the Wal-Mart batteries that I use for the sizes Costco doesn't cover. My tractor battery is from Jan. 2011, and that sucker has to sit for weeks, and then fire up a cranky 50-year old carb motor in 20-30°F weather so I can plow snow. I also have a 121R (WM is the ONLY place to carry this) in my sons '08 Accent from 2012.

I don't know if I will go with Wal-Mart or Costco next time, but probably Wal-Mart.

I appreciate the performance of the Oddysseys etc. but I can't get past the cost-benefit. They cost 2-3 times what Wal-Mart costs and don't give even twice the life. They need to come down in price as far as I'm concerned.

 

[4x4runner2002]

I have a group 34 sears die hard platinum and had to run longer cables.
I'm at the 5 year mark and going strong. Had it on a storage charger for 6 months and it's still perfect. Just drove across country with it too.

Gets my vote.

 

[02_SE_Runner_DAD]

I just dropped an optima red top in ours. seems to be starting strong every two weeks or longer we start it.

 

[reelamin]

I have used numerous brands. Just took out a red top Optima from one vehicle. It was 10 years old on a daily driver, but it lost a lot of cranking amps for the cold weather. If not for the cold it would still be good, and I have it on the shelf for use in a Wind Machine this spring. Some say it lasted great, but I have several interstates still working fine after 10yrs. Interstate, Trojan, Die Hard, NAPA, AC Delco, have all been good batteries. The Die Hard Platinum has one of the highest CCA's and has one of the best warranties out there.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

When I was a electrician at Weabers Inc sawmill I seen lots of different brands. AC delco, Diehard....then interstate. We stopped switching after interstate and a few years I asked Carl why interstate and he said because they never come back. I've used them ever since. I look at reserve time more than CCA especially when a factory battery is 550cca or so and most higher quality batteries are 750cca plus. The RC is a indication of the amp hour of the battery. The higher the better. I really wish the group 65 MTP-65 came in a F post. It's a 90ah battery and almost 900cca. I may look into the cable length extending to use a non F post battery. But if not a MTP-24f will go in.


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[TRD 4RNR]

Die Hard Platinum

Can you get a Die Hard Platinum in 24F ?

 

[blaze17]

I don't recall what size mine is but the cables reach fine. I did have to use a spacer between the top of the battery and the hold down.

 

[RockyrT4R]

Someone on this forum did a great write-up on installing a battery (that I think they got from Sears after much research) and replaced the wires with longer ones as the terminals aren't reversed. I'm kicking myself for not bookmarking it - and I can't find it in the search - anyone know where I can find it?

Anyone else have an opinion on the best battery for our 3rd gens?

Thanks
-Mike

I'd go with Walmart or Interstate batteries they are both by The company Johnson, I got an interstate and love it, plus the coloring of it just looks clean imo lol

 

[Scramble]

Die Hard Platinum

I think they've been discontinued.

I'd go with the Walmart MaxxStart not the Everstart, for a few more bucks you get more CCA's & a 5 year warranty.

 

[Scramble]

When I was a electrician at Weabers Inc sawmill I seen lots of different brands. AC delco, Diehard....then interstate. We stopped switching after interstate and a few years I asked Carl why interstate and he said because they never come back. I've used them ever since. I look at reserve time more than CCA especially when a factory battery is 550cca or so and most higher quality batteries are 750cca plus. The RC is a indication of the amp hour of the battery. The higher the better. I really wish the group 65 MTP-65 came in a F post. It's a 90ah battery and almost 900cca. I may look into the cable length extending to use a non F post battery. But if not a MTP-24f will go in.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The Maxxstart 24F is 130RC & 750cca. As soon as my Exide is dead, that's what I'll be getting.