Optima Gel Cell Battery Question

[TXSVTLIGHTNING]

Anyone here put an Optima 800U in an 97-02 F-150?? If so, what did you do/make to secure the battery in the tray? Any Pics? Do the V6 F-150's come with a smaller battery/battery tray? thanks

[KYFordFreak]

The F150's did come with two different size batteries from the factory but both from my knowledge used the same tray. With the Optima is would all depend on the width. If it's wide enogh to fit into both little catch lips on the tray and batt hold down bolt you are set to go. If not you will have to make up some kind of adapter or spacer or you could go with tow Optima's and completly fill the batt tray plus more.

[TXSVTLIGHTNING]

thats what I'm asking, what others who have put an optima in have done to secure the battery in the tra, it's smaller than stock all around

[mattadams]

I can't speak for the F-150's, but I can speak for the Explorer's, because I replaced my stock battery with an optima in mine. I used a battery bolt-down kit I found at autozone, had one bracket that went over the battery, then two long j-bolts that secure the bracket down to the plate. I had to drill two holes in the battery plate but it's held it securely for two years now...