Optima batteries

[TAC71]

I still vote for Optimas because they have never let me down. I'm on my 3 set in my EB and have never had an issue. The current pair mounted in my truck are 6 years old. I usually change them out at about 7or 8 years old just to prevent surprises. Nowadays my truck gets parked during winter to avoid the roadsalt. It will sit outside in below freezing weather and will start no problem about once a month.
Now being in the custom automotive profession I do see issues with Optimas that have been run down and not being able to recharge properly. They are like anything else in the world ...they need to be maintained. They don't take well to sitting.

 

[johnbeck]

I"m replacing my 24F with a reversed positive terminal(putting the negative ground post next to the fender). That switched post battery number I understand is group 24. I'm hearing to use group 34. Is the case dimention with the 34 the same as the 24 and is the negative or positive post next to the fender? Is the 34/78 dimension the same as the 78? Thanks, my battery is dead so now is the time for me to make the change in batteries.

 

[Broncobowsher]

If you are looking for sizes and post orientation https://www.odysseybattery.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ODY-ProductGuide.pdf

 

[pbwcr]

Duh
Just rotate the battery for what ever your cables like.
I am sure it will fit fine either way. If not get the cables you need.

 

[jamesroney]

Duh
Just rotate the battery for what ever your cables like.
I am sure it will fit fine either way. If not get the cables you need.

You can't just rotate a 34/78 battery in the tray...because if you do, you won't be able to access the side posts.

The 34/78 battery will put the positive post closest to the engine and the relay. So if you have a short positive cable, it will reach. I will never understand why anyone puts a 24F in a Bronco.

Do NOT use the Odyssey information published in the link above. Their info is ONLY applicable to their battery case. For example, they state that the 34/78 battery is 10.85 x 6.78 x 7.91. The Optima 34/78 case is 10 x 6-3/4 x 6-3/4.

My Group 24P AC Delco battery case is 10-3/8 x 6-7/8 x 8. The dimensions published in the AC Delco literature is different. their dimensions are the size of the box that you would need to ship it!

I will attach pics.

 

[jamesroney]

Here is a picture of a concourse U13 using a 24F battery.

Never understood why. The regular group 24 is a much better application, since it moves the positive post away from the sheet metal, and makes the positive cable shorter.

 

[Broncobowsher]

My understanding is the 24F is the Ford variant of the group 24 battery, posts swapped.
If you look at a normal car installation the battery goes lengthwise. That would put the positive post in a more favorable location. Since the plants had plenty of 24f batteries, and they fit, one size fits all. Easier to manufacture even if not better for fit.

 

[pbwcr]

You can't just rotate a 34/78 battery in the tray...because if you do, you won't be able to access the side posts.

==
Simple fix - do not buy a battery with side posts.

 

[jamesroney]

==
Simple fix - do not buy a battery with side posts.

Well then it wouldn’t be a group 34/78 anymore...

 

[69_Sport]

I have a Group 34 in my '69 Sport. Same size as the 24F, uses the factory hold down and tray, and I didn't need to replace the cables. Fits perfectly, and the second set of terminals on the side is a perfect place to hook up the Warn winch power.

 

[Joe473]

I have a Group 34 in my '69 Sport. Same size as the 24F, uses the factory hold down and tray, and I didn't need to replace the cables. Fits perfectly, and the second set of terminals on the side is a perfect place to hook up the Warn winch power.

Thanks for confirming that. Cables I could remake was just concerned about fitting stock tray and not being taller or way to short for the hold down.

Im going for the 34 in some type of AGM line.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[johnbeck]

I checked Costco today. The 24F is $160 plus a core, Interstate AGM. thirty six month warrantee. I didn't have the time to check 34 AGM price. The employee said he couldn't get the 34/78. Two to three weeks on AGM ordered battery. John B

 

[sprdv1]

Next is most people have moved on from Optima. Oddessey has been a solid battery for years. I have one that is 11 years old and right now is just used as a battery for the ARB fridge. I don't trust it as a starting battery simply due to age. It still works so I keep it, doesn't leak.

.

Yes indeed Agreed

 

[Jdgephar]

I went with a 34/78PLT Super Start AGM from O'reilly for my latest purchase in 2018. Made by East Penn. Works great so far. I keep a trickle charge on it in the winter. Started the Bronco easily after I left the LED light bar on accidentally for at least 2 hours. I still have the original style starter, not the fancy permanent magnet mini starters either. I do have EFI though, so starts are pretty short.

 

[johnbeck]

I need a new battery. I'm switching to the 34/78 because I just ran ground wires from the battery box to the dash, to the left and right corner connections, and more. Having the additional side connections on the battery makes the under hood wiring cleaner. That said I'd like a AGM battery. Who sells Northstar or DEKA? Who makes Wall Mart's AGM? Does Oreilly's or Auto zone sell a top quality AGM? Thanks, John B

 

[Timmy390]

I need a new battery. I'm switching to the 34/78 because I just ran ground wires from the battery box to the dash, to the left and right corner connections, and more. Having the additional side connections on the battery makes the under hood wiring cleaner. That said I'd like a AGM battery. Who sells Northstar or DEKA? Who makes Wall Mart's AGM? Does Oreilly's or Auto zone sell a top quality AGM? Thanks, John B

The Everstart line of batteries are made by Johnson Controls. I assume that includes the AGM's are as well.

Batteriesplus is a good source of Northstar and Deka. Deka is made by East Penn and is rebranded under many labels. Napa and Duracell (Sams club) just to name a few.

Tim

 

[pbwcr]

One of the best batteries is sold can be found at ORiley called supersart
Johnson controls sells batteries to the seller specs. Buy from Walmart and you get a cheap battery with associated specs.
Lately I see Autozone selling Odyssey another top brand.
Of course Amazon sells most of the AGM batteries with free shipping usually 2 day delivery.

 

[Timmy390]

Well I know for a fact the Duracell line made by East Penn have the same exact specs as the Deka line does for half the price. The information can be fond on their website and both even have the same part numbers. I'm told this is true of the Napa batteries as well. Never looked that up.

Wal Mart not good? The one on my 69 Mach 1 is from 2012.....the one on the Bronco is from 2015. Both are Everstart MAXX. I've ran the Everstart MAXX deep cycle on on Bass boat since 2005. Had a "Stowaway" explode and I had no money. I've had 2 sets since. Sold that boat last year. The new to me boat came with the original 2013 Interstate deep cycles. Still going strong. Wal Mart sells three level of batteries (Value, Plus and Maxx). I have always run the Maxx. I do have one 2 year old value on my Samurai. 2 years no issues........

My point is batteries that are taken care of last no matter the brand. Do your homework and buy what you feel comfortable with. High dollar don't mean better.......Optima's seemed to start having issues went the manufacturing moved south of the boarder.

I'll be going with Duracell brand AGM's on my stuff if the current flooded ones start to give me issues.

Tim

 

[pbwcr]

I had poor luck with very short life with my East Penn Intimidator. Switched to Odyssey.

 

[johnbeck]

It seams some have had great luck with a manufacture and others "had poor luck". Who offers a great warrantee? Costco does but they don't sell the 34/78 AGM battery. My battery is dead so I need to pull the trigger soon. Much Thanks, John B