Congrats. It may not be done, but at least it is not a piece of lead requiring a tow just to move it out of the garage! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I am pretty dissapointed in the Optima. Are you sure it just does not need more charge? It is a deep cycle and takes forever to charge. It is a relatively new battery, but given it sat awhile....As delicate Optimas are, I wonder if we should try something else. And should we go deep cycle under the hood, or just a regular battery and a deep cycle in the back as a spare?

Before replacing the battery completely I will have checker do a good charge on it and test it. I had it on a trickle charger for about a day and a half. Battery charger said charged so I gave it a go, but nothing, cranked really slow, and almost killed the power completely on the thing after the first crank. Optima's I've noticed are kinda 50/50, you either get a good one or you don't. I've seen people replace them every year, or like one of LT or one of mine, lasted like 8 years before it quit. If it comes down to replacing the batteries then we should do some research on what the best battery to go with would be.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Optima got sold and is now just a name you're buying, they use low quality everything now these batteries are good for a couple years.

Exide Orbitals are still good i hear and i have heard good things about the interstate AGM's as well.


Unfortunately for me I bought 2 more giant blue top optimas before finding this out. We were originally thinking it was a yellow top vs blue top thing, not the case they are all junk. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I am thinking Orbital as well. For lead acid Sears are the top rated now if you can believe it.

Ok, lloyd and I have agreed and decided that we are going with a diehard platenum. This option seems to be the best option and most recommended.

On a side note, fixed the oil leak from the cooler line. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Not that it matters, but a Wal-Mart three year full replacement starting battery is the cheapest available. Same price for any size, and the last time I bought one (I used an old Optima as my core!) it was $78, but they are a bit higher now. The two I have purchased are holding up just fine, both of them over a year old now, one in the '95 and one in the '86.

Congratulations on getting the engine running. This is going to be one sorted-out truck in the end. I can't wait to see how Lloyd wheels it...

John B.

Welcome back JBFP! how was the moab???

Sears has the top rated batteries these days, which is funny because years ago they were the worst, and most notorious batteries ever made. IN consumer reports testing nothing comes close. I really like getting the best battery money can buy due to all the vibration, refridgerator draw and winch draw. Wheeling is a tough environment for batteries.

As far as driving it? Just to the mall and back of course!

It was like being in a giant sandblaster. The wind did not quit until Sunday morning.

Plus, going with a bunch of 4WD VW Vanagons (Synchros) means staying out of the hard stuff, for the most part. I did have to show them some stuff, though.

John B.

Vanagons? Wow, that brings back memories.... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> Maybe we can do a Fall Hole-N-The-Rock trip?