I want to replace the original battery in my truck it is almost 5 years old. What is a good replacement other than the Motorcraft?Has anyone bought batteries from Autozone? Thanks,
Dennis

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Dennis

 

I would say no to Autozone, Checker etc. If the original one lasted 5 years you will be dissapointed. I would suggest Interstate, Sears or the best Optima.

 

I formerly would have recommended the sears die hard series of batteries, but recent experiences say not to. One battery has been replaced under warranty three times now, and I wouldn't put another in except for the warranty and pro-rating. Other folks I know have had similar experiences, and won't be going back anytime soon. Granted, this wasn't in the F-150, but it still doesn't look good, and I will be in the market for a new battery myself soon. Good luck!

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1997 F150 XLT, Flareside , Moonlight Blue, 4x2, SC, Auto, 4.6L, 3:08's, Cargo Cover by Century, Penda bed liner, Blue Oval reciever hitch plug, Driver Design bug deflector, Monroe Reflex Shocks, 235/70/16 Firestone Wilderness AT's, sliding rear window, captain's chairs, Valvoline Durablend Oil, Purolator Pure One Oil Filter, 280 lbs. of traction sand (ahh, winter in the great white north! ), and 119,000 miles and counting!

 

interstate

 

The batteries Sears sells are actually cheap stuff and designed to poop out before the warranty runs out. Reasoning is, they keep you buying their cheap batteries. The battery failing before the warranty runs out is factored into the price you pay.

It would practically be a miracle if a Sears battery lasted as long as the warranty.

 

Optima Red Top.

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My Ride: 1998 F150 4x4 Lariat Supercab Flareside 5.4L in Oxford White/gold, ORP, Tow Package, 3.55 Gears.

Modifications:
Optima Red Top Battery
Split Fire Spark Plugs
K&N FIPK
Gibson Supertruck Exhaust System
Stepshield door sill protectors
Performance Accesories 3" Body Lift
Performance Accesories Lift Lips by Mountain Enterprises
Superlift 3" lift blocks
Gabriel Gas Ryder LT VST Shocks
Daystar Front Anti-sway Bar Polyurethane Bushings
Heckethorn Steering Stabilizer
35x12.5R16.5LT BFG All Terrain KO's
16.5x9.75 American Eagle 589's.
McGard Premium Wheel Locks

Photos at: http://www.communicomgroup.com/jmtruck

 

Too bad the last two Sears batteries have been within the free replacement period. Reliability and the hassle stinks though. The good news is the car the battery is in will probably be gone soon and we won't need to worry about it anymore.

 

Thanks for all the replies, got a price on a interstate and today I am going to check on a Optima Red Top.

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Dennis

 

Consumer Reports used to rate the Interstate batteries as some of the best. I had one in an older truck with no problems.
Whatever you buy go for the most cranking/reserve power you can afford. Once it starts you don't need the battery but it must be there to get things going.
An old jump start trick without cables was to start one vehicle then take the battery out and install it in the second vehicle to start that one. Just be sure the bare cables don't touch anything.
(kids don't try this at home, one mistake will cost the price of an alternator)

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97 F-150, 2WD, Reg Cab,Flareside,Dk Toreador Red, Windsor 4.6, Magnecor 8.5mm wires, Bosch Plat +4s, 3.55 LS, EGR Bug Deflector, ******* Bed Cover, Bed Liner, XL Full Length Running Boards, Air Aid Kit, Gibson Single Out Cat Back, Superchips, TransGo Shift Kit, Hellwig Rear Sway Bar, Hellwig 2500# Overload Springs,Energy Suspension Polyurethane Front Sway Bar Bushings, 265 70 16 tires, Rancho RS9000 shocks

 

I like the Everstart maxx batteries. they run upwards of 70 bucks but they last a long time. My 1000 cca battery sure turns the truck over great on cold winter mornings.

-Jon

 

Go with Interstate - - they have been highly rated by consumer reports. I have used them in cars/ trucks/ high horsepower outboard boat motors - - never a wimper. BOL ....

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Fog Lights with parking lights .... how does he do it ?

https://www.f150online.com/f150board...ML/000552.html

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2001 F-150 Super Crew Lariat 4x4
5.4 engine; Chestnut w/ gold trim; Captain's Chairs; Ford/ Duraliner bed insert; Six disc CD changer (in center console); Fosgate FNP1614 component speakers (front); Pioneer TS-A6855 speakers (rear); 8 inch MTX sub in custom built, center console, sealed enclosure; ZAPCO AG150 amplifier; Moon roof; 98/99 Expedition center console; Bed extender; Class 3 trailer hitch



[This message has been edited by FedExPilot (edited 03-01-2001).]