My 1998 F150 still has the original battery, which has never given me any problems. Should I plan on swapping it out soon to avoid getting stranded somewhere, since it is over 6 years old? Are the typical Wal-Mart or Auto Zone batteries good replacements?

Dave

 

I don't see where you live but if you count on your truck for doing business far distances from home I would think about it, especially if you live in cold temperatures...

 

mine lasted 7 years. replaced it so i wouldn't end up stuck somewhere.

 

I replaced the Motorcraft battery in my 99 about 4 months ago , Left work started fine , stopped at the movie store and when I came out it was completely dead .

 

I hate when that happens...

 

If it was my only mode of transportation, I'd replace it. The batteries you mention are fine for what you pay, but I'd pay more and get an Optima.

 

I had to replace my battery due to a combination of its weakness and bad starter. After I did my truck would almost die when I stopped and if you gave it a little juice it would kill itself. Driving normal would be fine but in a parking lot or something was a chore due to it being an automatic. I took it back to the dealer and by that time they claimed they could not get it to duplicate and explained to me that the computer, after being reset (i. e. battery replacement) needs time to balance out/adjust itself. This took 3 days for it to go away! I just disconnected my battery again to install my stereo and its doing it again. Does this seem right to anyone and if so, is there any way to speed up the process?

 

I have a '97 and just replaced the battery. Mine lasted 7 years and was still going strong, except it sprung a small leak around the negative terminal and corroded my ground connection and about 2 inches of cable.

As long as your truck isn't noticeably starting slower than you remember I'd keep the battery.

Most batteries are similar. It just depends on what kind of warranty and cold cranking amps you want. I went the extra few dollars and go an Optima and love it!

 

It seems the motorcraft batteries are lasting a long time from the factory. It only seems logical to go w/ a motorcraft again, but the optimas are good batteris also.

just my 2 cents

 

Yeah, but those batteries were produced 5 to 7 years ago. How much ya want to bet that some engineer re-designed it and screwed it up.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

I have a '97 with the original battery and I got it checked at the local auto place the other day and the guy thought it was a brand new battery.

 

THE BATTERY IS ONE THING THAT HAS LASTED A LONG TIME AND IS STILL GOING. I HAVE A 1997 XL-150 THAT HAS THE ORIGINAL BATTERY AND IT SHOWS NO SIGN OF NEEDING REPLACEMENT. I AGREE WITH TEMP1, IF IT AIN'T BROKE DON'T FIX IT.

 

I have a 98 XL with 138,000 miles on the original battery and it shows no sign of wear and tear except on REALLY cold mornings, it cranks a little slower than normal. Although on really cold mornings I crank a little slower, too!!!