Groupbuy: Diehard Group 31M Battery Cage

[Nard-Dog]

Finished 31M and Pelfrey install

Just finished my group 31M battery install along with a new Pelfreybilt cage. I think it all went well other than being a heavy pita! I plastidipd the cage so has a nice low profile look and also used the Remy Battery screw on posts so the install looks factory and leaves the main posts for accessories. Despite the weight difference their is no noticeable lean or sag on the driver front.
ainkiller:

 

[jrandom]

Nice looks good I plastic dipped too, so far so good. I have been out bouncing around a few times since I installed it and the thing has even moved a smidge, cage is solid.

I think it all went well other than being a heavy pita!

LOL no doubt I had to use a short step ladder and a foot on the top of the fender for balance. Last thing I wanted to do was drop it on anything! You would f'k something up dropping it from 4 feet.:rip:

 

[mace.]

Does anyone have an idea as to how much heavier the group 31M battery is over stock?

 

[Nard-Dog]

Does anyone have an idea as to how much heavier the group 31M battery is over stock?

[MENTION=46322]Mace[/MENTION] it's like another 40 pounds. I think it's almost double the factory battery in weight. But it can be done by one person just please take your time or it will not end well.

 

[Nard-Dog]

Nice looks good I plastic dipped too, so far so good. I have been out bouncing around a few times since I installed it and the thing has even moved a smidge, cage is solid.



LOL no doubt I had to use a short step ladder and a foot on the top of the fender for balance. Last thing I wanted to do was drop it on anything! You would f'k something up dropping it from 4 feet.:rip:

Yes [MENTION=99702]jrandom[/MENTION] I also took the step ladder approach and walked the beast up onto some towels on the top frame. It's the straddle drop into the battery pocket so to speak that is the hernia waiting to happen. Lol

 

[jrandom]

Does anyone have an idea as to how much heavier the group 31M battery is over stock?

The 31m according to spec is 75 pounds! and it feels like it, the handle bends a bit when you lift it. The dinky Panasonic I would guess is roughly around 30~ lbs.

 

[mace.]

That's for the replies. Had no idea the stock one was so much lighter.

 

[johnnywofee]

That's for the replies. Had no idea the stock one was so much lighter.

Dear Guys,

Yes, this project has been successfully done and closed. A very nice and clean solution with the biggest battery power. It could be an alternative solution of dual battery system (i.e. no need to have dual battery anymore).

However, I would like to seek your oppions of this solution. Is there anyone need to adjust the coil to balance this additional weight (75 lbs)?

If yes, please indicate who has done it ?

If no, what will be the potential issue for such unbalance weight added under the hood?

Thank You

 

[jrandom]

However, I would like to seek your oppions of this solution. Is there anyone need to adjust the coil to balance this additional weight (75 lbs)?

If yes, please indicate who has done it ?

If no, what will be the potential issue for such unbalance weight added under the hood?

Thank You

Just the battery, there was a little sag. I only had the battery only for a month before I added a hidden winch mount and winch. At that point I had to upgrade my coil-overs from stock to aftermarket, I suppose I could have just upgraded the spring. Regardless, the extra 175~ lbs. out front made a very noticeable difference.

 

[johnnywofee]

Diehard Platinum 31M (75lbs)

Thank you for ideas.

1. Is there any other guys installed this heavy Diehard Platinum under the hood and use it for longer time (e.g. more than 6 months)?

2. Did you go off-road and feel any differences without adjust or upgrade the coil/spring?

3. When you connect your additional accessories (e.g. Winch or ARB Fridge), do you connect directly to the terminals of this big monster ? How can you ensure you did not drain up (flat) your battery, meanwhile, you can still start up your 4runner ?

Thanks

 

[Titanpat57]

Thank you for ideas.

1. Is there any other guys installed this heavy Diehard Platinum under the hood and use it for longer time (e.g. more than 6 months)?

4 years..

2. Did you go off-road and feel any differences without adjust or upgrade the coil/spring?

As John said....not until the hidden winch plate and winch went in...once the ARB bumper went on..well..suffice it to say it's a lot of weight hanging over the nose.

3. When you connect your additional accessories (e.g. Winch or ARB Fridge), do you connect directly to the terminals of this big monster ? How can you ensure you did not drain up (flat) your battery, meanwhile, you can still start up your 4runner ?

I'm a big fan of the Blue Sea 6 circuit box...one under the hood,and one in the rear jack area...makes adding assorted accessories a breeze....oh..and how to avoid draining the monster??.....http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/125772-dual-batteries-cheap.html

Thanks

Hope that helps!

 

[2014 Warthog]

The stock I think was 35 pounds so this is +40 Then I added the SSS bumper +65 and winch +80 and skids +50 So I am now at +250lbs or so. At that weight I did crank down my coilovers by 4 turns. Slightly stiffened the front end.

ALL that weight is definitely noticeable, though not as much offroading as ON road.

But the battery itself wasn't that noticeable.

I have not seriously tried to deplete the battery yet, have used the winch couple times and once left my yellow LED running lights (2x16watt and 1x80 watt light bar) on during a two hour hike and it started right up. But even that is only a drop in that batteries bucket

 

[johnnywofee]

Diehard Platinum 31M Battery Tray or Cage

The stock I think was 35 pounds so this is +40 Then I added the SSS bumper +65 and winch +80 and skids +50 So I am now at +250lbs or so. At that weight I did crank down my coilovers by 4 turns. Slightly stiffened the front end.

ALL that weight is definitely noticeable, though not as much offroading as ON road.

But the battery itself wasn't that noticeable.

I have not seriously tried to deplete the battery yet, have used the winch couple times and once left my yellow LED running lights (2x16watt and 1x80 watt light bar) on during a two hour hike and it started right up. But even that is only a drop in that batteries bucket

Dear Guys,

You guys are wonderful with hands on experience. I am not a tech guy but would follow this path to replace the stock battery (2010 4runner) that is now having difficulties to start the engine from time to time. If I put the vehicle in standby mode for 30 mins, it almost won't start the engine:

1. Looks like all of you used Pelfreybilt Battery Cage. Is there any other alternatives (both vehicle and/or marine tray) currently available in the market? Is there any other cheaper solutions (other than tailor made with a piece of aluminum plate and mount it at the bottom as a replacement of the stock battery tray)?


2. Anyone of you went into a Sears auto repair centre and asked the tech guy there to replace this heavy monster with you, meanwhile, this is not a standard battery?


3. Sears is now selling it with an "Exchange Price" that means you have to give them back a battery (usually the stock battery that they replace for you). Did you guys buy it from Sears and take it back home and replace it by yourself?

4. I am wondering if I need to buy the battery tray and Remy converters first. Bring these hardware to Sears auto centre, ask the guy if they are willing to replace it for me???

Thanks
2.

 

[2014 Warthog]

Dear Guys,

You guys are wonderful with hands on experience. I am not a tech guy but would follow this path to replace the stock battery (2010 4runner) that is now having difficulties to start the engine from time to time. If I put the vehicle in standby mode for 30 mins, it almost won't start the engine:

1. Looks like all of you used Pelfreybilt Battery Cage. Is there any other alternatives (both vehicle and/or marine tray) currently available in the market? Is there any other cheaper solutions (other than tailor made with a piece of aluminum plate and mount it at the bottom as a replacement of the stock battery tray)?


2. Anyone of you went into a Sears auto repair centre and asked the tech guy there to replace this heavy monster with you, meanwhile, this is not a standard battery?


3. Sears is now selling it with an "Exchange Price" that means you have to give them back a battery (usually the stock battery that they replace for you). Did you guys buy it from Sears and take it back home and replace it by yourself?

4. I am wondering if I need to buy the battery tray and Remy converters first. Bring these hardware to Sears auto centre, ask the guy if they are willing to replace it for me???

Thanks
2.

1. I believe that I say an RCI group battery cage here on the boards not too long ago?

2-4. I kept my old battery which was brand new and gave it to a friend for his old truck. Installed the battery myself but almost broke my back lifting it up and over the body work into the engine compartment

So yeah having them install it would be great but definately make sure you have any specialized hardware ready to go beforehand.

 

[cjacob316]

I would replace the battery tray and insert stock battery for the drive to sears, turn in old and buy new one mount it up. Most auto parts stores offer free battery installation, not sure about sears

 

[jrandom]

Dear Guys,
2. Anyone of you went into a Sears auto repair centre and asked the tech guy there to replace this heavy monster with you, meanwhile, this is not a standard battery?


3. Sears is now selling it with an "Exchange Price" that means you have to give them back a battery (usually the stock battery that they replace for you). Did you guys buy it from Sears and take it back home and replace it by yourself?

4. I am wondering if I need to buy the battery tray and Remy converters first. Bring these hardware to Sears auto centre, ask the guy if they are willing to replace it for me???

2. They will replace it for you just make sure you have what they need to do it correctly, ie the post convertors and that they know to use them.

3. They will just withhold the "exchange" amount until you bring your old battery back.

4. Yes, you need to have everything they need and that the tech understands what you want to do. Triple check their work.

Installed the battery myself but almost broke my back lifting it up and over the body work into the engine compartment

Haha no doubt me too! I bet someone would have gotten a good laugh watching me balance on a ladder with my left foot on the driver side fender dropping mine in! LOL really could have used an engine hoist

 

[Okki]

Dear Guys,

You guys are wonderful with hands on experience. I am not a tech guy but would follow this path to replace the stock battery (2010 4runner).

Replacing the battery is pretty simple. You can easily do it yourself. The 31M is heavy, but a kitchen stepladder and my 123lbs were able to do it... and thus, so can you

Step by step details and parts can be found in my build thread here:
31M battery installation:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/94578-okkis-build-thread-12.html#post1683845

Battery cage from design to installation:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/94578-okkis-build-thread-13.html#post1923868

Save the installation fee for some beers instead :trophy:

Okki

 

[johnnywofee]

Remy Battery screw on posts

Just finished my group 31M battery install along with a new Pelfreybilt cage. I think it all went well other than being a heavy pita! I plastidipd the cage so has a nice low profile look and also used the Remy Battery screw on posts so the install looks factory and leaves the main posts for accessories. Despite the weight difference their is no noticeable lean or sag on the driver front.
ainkiller:

You guys are wonderful, those followers (like me) enjoy your exploration results. Thanks !

A simple but useful question : After you install Remy Battery screw on posts, you DID NOT need to modify any the stock cable or connectors or terminals. This becomes a truely plug and play to swap out the battery ONLY? Is this a correct understanding after using those Remy screws?

 

[Okki]

A simple but useful question : After you install Remy Battery screw on posts, you DID NOT need to modify any the stock cable or connectors or terminals. This becomes a truely plug and play to swap out the battery ONLY? Is this a correct understanding after using those Remy screws?

Because the battery is larger, the posts sit in a different location. the problem is that the leads have L-shaped ends and getting those to fit over the edge of the battery is a challenge. For that reason, most of us bend them straight.

If you use the smaller terminal posts that sit a little closer to the edge, you may be in better luck, but once you start adding accessories, that what most of us use those for.

Getting some fleet terminals may also help, because they extend a little further from the post.

Okki

 

[johnnywofee]

Diehard Platinum 31M Battery (Remy and Fleet Terminals)

Because the battery is larger, the posts sit in a different location. the problem is that the leads have L-shaped ends and getting those to fit over the edge of the battery is a challenge. For that reason, most of us bend them straight.

If you use the smaller terminal posts that sit a little closer to the edge, you may be in better luck, but once you start adding accessories, that what most of us use those for.

Getting some fleet terminals may also help, because they extend a little further from the post.

Okki

I am not sure if there is a need to bend the leads (L-shape). Should I buy both:

1. Remy (this is a must since I have to use the marine terminals that is more closer to the edge of the battery)

AND

2. Fleet terminals (this makes long extension of terminal connections so there it may not need to bend the L-shape leads).

But I look at some previous pictures, looks like the L-shape lead did not bend at all?? Anyone did not bend the L-shape lead and can install it with plug and play?