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Old 09-11-2017, 02:12 AM
Bowhunter911 Bowhunter911 is offline
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Default biggest battery for 2000 ranger 4cyl?

any one know what is the biggest battery that will fit in a 2000 ranger with out modding anything? its time for me to get a new one. stock is group 59 im just wondering if i have other options. Thanks
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Old 09-11-2017, 06:04 AM
CalebJ CalebJ is offline
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Default Re: biggest battery for 2000 ranger 4cyl?

For what it's worth, the older Rangers used a group 65 and it definitely won't fit. I'd replaced the 65 in my '94 right before buying the '99 and had to give it away since I couldn't squeeze it into the new one.
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Old 09-11-2017, 09:43 PM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: biggest battery for 2000 ranger 4cyl?

I would suggest is an AGM battery, one with the best potential of AH that's in your budget. You'll hear just as many opinions on Batteries on an automotive forum as you see guys sharing their opinion of what girls look better than others..

With exception to some specific features or bias due to good/bad experiences.. there is really ONLY three Battery manufactures out there despite all the brands and they all play the budget/quality game.

I use to be an Optima fanboy back in my exclusive audio days but IMO there quality has subsided now that they're wearing their big pants now with the name.

For the last few years I been exclusively an Exide battery guy. I use them in all of my installs between crank batteries for AGM main/winches and AGM deep cycles for the house batteries (2nd batt setups). AGM is ONLY special in the sense that it WILL take more abuse when it comes to vibration and off-road use vs conventional batteries and in short periods of time it has a rather interesting regeneration ability if let sit.

Only con is that if they say the battery will last 6 years.. count on at year 6 having to replace it. The AGM's truly seem to have a hedgehog like life span. But my Exides have take every bit of abuse I've given them from long duration of use, left key in ACC all night (multiple times in the same week even), off roading on horribly maintained spur roads and heavy corrugation roads, to meeting my audio demands and many AUX added features.

thats my $ .02
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Old 09-12-2017, 01:18 AM
EaOutlaw1969 EaOutlaw1969 is offline
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Default Re: biggest battery for 2000 ranger 4cyl?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bowhunter911 View Post
any one know what is the biggest battery that will fit in a 2000 ranger with out modding anything? its time for me to get a new one. stock is group 59 im just wondering if i have other options. Thanks
I think the main thing to consider is some batteries require specialized chargers if they ever need to be charged which will raise the cost of your new battery significantly.

Some manufacturers even have the nerve to require a different hold down.

My two cents is buy a battery that is of the same size group that is intended for your truck, that does not require a special charger or hold down and you can inspect the fluid level.

Before purchasing your new battery inspect your battery cable ends and cables, if your OEM cable ends have been cut off and replaced this may make going with a different group battery impossible without replacing one or more of the battery cables.
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Old 09-12-2017, 05:34 AM
CalebJ CalebJ is offline
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Default Re: biggest battery for 2000 ranger 4cyl?

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Originally Posted by Undrstm8ed View Post
Only con is that if they say the battery will last 6 years.. count on at year 6 having to replace it. The AGM's truly seem to have a hedgehog like life span.
I'm really curious - what's a hedgehog's life span like? I understand what you're implying, just confused by the analogy.
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  #6  
Old 09-12-2017, 07:02 PM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: biggest battery for 2000 ranger 4cyl?

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Originally Posted by CalebJ View Post
I'm really curious - what's a hedgehog's life span like? I understand what you're implying, just confused by the analogy.
A hedgehog lives about 5 years almost to the day... the little bastards actually run about 14 miles a day if you can believe that. So the analogy is along the lines if all that energy day after day and then right at that 5 yr moment... (X_X) done dead finite

And unless we're talking lithium batts, I can't see any other battery on the market requiring any odd or different charging system. Charging systems only get complicated to some degree planning out wiring for dual battery systems or dbl-dbl setups where you have two cranking batteries and two or more house or aux batteries.
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  #7  
Old 09-13-2017, 03:55 AM
dvrich dvrich is offline
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Default Re: biggest battery for 2000 ranger 4cyl?

Here is an incredible idea.......use a tool called a tape measure. Measure the tray length and width, then check out battery specs online or in a auto parts store until you find one that fits.
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Old 09-13-2017, 04:13 AM
EaOutlaw1969 EaOutlaw1969 is offline
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Default Re: biggest battery for 2000 ranger 4cyl?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Undrstm8ed View Post
A hedgehog lives about 5 years almost to the day... the little bastards actually run about 14 miles a day if you can believe that. So the analogy is along the lines if all that energy day after day and then right at that 5 yr moment... (X_X) done dead finite

And unless we're talking lithium batts, I can't see any other battery on the market requiring any odd or different charging system. Charging systems only get complicated to some degree planning out wiring for dual battery systems or dbl-dbl setups where you have two cranking batteries and two or more house or aux batteries.
If your referring to my post, I was talking about Optima batteries and others like it that are AGM ( absorbed glass mat type ) these type of batteries require a modern battery charger when and if they ever need to be recharged, the vehicles charging system remains stock.

This does not mean you cannot charge a AGM battery with a old standard battery charger yet someone using a standard battery charger could damage a AGM battery with the charger or think a deeply discharged AGM battery is defective when the charger refuses to start charging the dead battery.

This link and the video on the page can explain it better than I can.

I think Optima and others like it have gotten a bad reputation from this lack of knowledge.

BTW this does not mean we have to spend hundreds of dollars on a Fancy Optima battery charger, I purchased a Battery charger for like 50 bucks that works great on AGM batteries.


https://www.optimabatteries.com/en-u...pecial-charger
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Last edited by EaOutlaw1969; 09-13-2017 at 04:16 AM.
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  #9  
Old 09-13-2017, 05:57 AM
dvrich dvrich is offline
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Default Re: biggest battery for 2000 ranger 4cyl?

Optima batteries have been awful since they moved their manufacturing plant to Mexico....of all places.
8-10 years was the average life expectancy but since moving their plant you will be lucky to get 3-5 years. They are junk.
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  #10  
Old 09-13-2017, 02:34 PM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: biggest battery for 2000 ranger 4cyl?

Quote:
Originally Posted by dvrich View Post
Optima batteries have been awful since they moved their manufacturing plant to Mexico....of all places.
8-10 years was the average life expectancy but since moving their plant you will be lucky to get 3-5 years. They are junk.
Agreed.. The last one I bought was about 13-15 years ago... Good gawd That makes me feel old.. fml

Quote:
Originally Posted by EaOutlaw1969 View Post
If your referring to my post, I was talking about Optima batteries and others like it that are AGM ( absorbed glass mat type ) these type of batteries require a modern battery charger when and if they ever need to be recharged, the vehicles charging system remains stock.

This does not mean you cannot charge a AGM battery with a old standard battery charger yet someone using a standard battery charger could damage a AGM battery with the charger or think a deeply discharged AGM battery is defective when the charger refuses to start charging the dead battery.

This link and the video on the page can explain it better than I can.

I think Optima and others like it have gotten a bad reputation from this lack of knowledge.

BTW this does not mean we have to spend hundreds of dollars on a Fancy Optima battery charger, I purchased a Battery charger for like 50 bucks that works great on AGM batteries.


https://www.optimabatteries.com/en-u...pecial-charger
I'll check it out. I've not had any issues with the 93' Ranger charging my AGM's. Even with trickle charging solar wise yet.. I'll watch the video and likely add to my comments.. lol
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  #11  
Old 09-13-2017, 08:10 PM
GSF1200S GSF1200S is offline
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Default Re: biggest battery for 2000 ranger 4cyl?

All the charging crap is why I decided to stay lead-acid when it was time for a battery swap.

I like to listen to music in my truck- often when waiting somewhere, but especially on my days off where I'll park the truck somewhere nice, turn on the stereo, and read a book. I run an amp, sub, component speakers, etc. This is about the worst thing you can do to a battery- constantly run it down and back up.

I considered a deep cycle but couldn't find one that was a similar size, and had heard that Optima was now trash. AGM seemed interesting but didnt want to get a different battery charger in case I ever ran the truck dead, and wasnt sure the effects of long distance driving (like 7-800 mile days) on an AGM battery with a charging system designed for a lead-acid battery.

I got a duralast of the same size as stock and its been fine 3 year free replacement, 5 year pro-rated, and autozones are everywhere.

Anyways, interested to see any discussion in this thread. I was pressed for time when my battery went last time, but next time I plan to scour online in search of a deep cycle that will work in place of what I have now. Dont need the CCA here in Texas
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  #12  
Old 09-13-2017, 11:42 PM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: biggest battery for 2000 ranger 4cyl?

The deep cycles dont like the HIGH short current draws.. A deep cycle is used for low/moderate wattage drains and recharging. And especially if you're using any other high current device, say a winch.. you'll kill that battery off faster than or just as fast as a long current draw on your lead acid battery.

CCA has ZERO to do with Cold weather like you are thinking. HEAT is actually what kills batteries more. The CCA is more relative to the fast strike of starting a vehicle than just cold conditions.

I been using AGM's myself as I stated above for almost 7 years, Our military vehicles use them because of the durability of aggressive shaking, lighter, and regenerative properties. I havent run across anyone yet in the Overland world yet either whose using anything other than AGM's so far. And NONE of those people are using any special charging systems, most of us use simple National Luna [smart] dual battery setups or something equivalent wise. The only additional charge feature it offers is IF you were to kill the main battery of sorts, you can press a button and jump the truck from the house battery(s) without getting out of the vehicle. Now the national Luna dual battery system charger will top off the main battery first, THEN switch over to charge the house battery(s) at a specific voltage.

Litterally less than 5% of your ALT power goes to actually charging the Battery.. the Vehicle runs off the ALT, the accessories run off the Battery, the initial starting is off the battery, you sitting in a park parking lot rocking out while making moves on your lady runs off the battery.

And to debunk what I think I am starting to see often in Battery conversations about this "special charger" for AGM's.. You misreading and sharing bad information. No special charging is needed, in fact its almost the opposite due to "overcharging" sensitivity. If anything, I'd be quoted as stating "an external Voltage regulator of the right voltage should be used and or if an adjustable or selectable one was available, that might be something to consider too".

::EDIT:: Just as something else. Some newer cars like Honda for example are using a setup in the ALT much like that of the Clutch Fans we have in our trucks. Battery gets tot he top.. Clutch kicks in and the ALT now issues a way lesser charge and spins a little more freely. http://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/cgi/view...text=auto_pres



READ: "As with all gelled and sealed units, AGM batteries are sensitive to overcharging. A charge to 2.40V/cell (and higher) is fine; however, the float charge should be reduced to between 2.25 and 2.30V/cell (summer temperatures may require lower voltages). Automotive charging systems for flooded lead acid often have a fixed float voltage setting of 14.40V (2.40V/cell); a direct replacement with a sealed unit could overcharge the battery on a long drive."

More good information below in the link..

SOURCE:
http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/a..._glass_mat_agm

http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...witworks.shtml


You may wanna rethink your ambitions before throwing $150 on another battery and it not doing what you want as you want. You can easily verify all of that with some google-fu or the above links may suit you just fine.
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Last edited by Undrstm8ed; 09-14-2017 at 12:22 AM.
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  #13  
Old 09-16-2017, 05:09 PM
GSF1200S GSF1200S is offline
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Default Re: biggest battery for 2000 ranger 4cyl?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Undrstm8ed View Post
The deep cycles dont like the HIGH short current draws.. A deep cycle is used for low/moderate wattage drains and recharging. And especially if you're using any other high current device, say a winch.. you'll kill that battery off faster than or just as fast as a long current draw on your lead acid battery.
I have zero other high draw items- my truck is completely stock other than the stereo, headlight harness, and tire size.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Undrstm8ed View Post
CCA has ZERO to do with Cold weather like you are thinking. HEAT is actually what kills batteries more. The CCA is more relative to the fast strike of starting a vehicle than just cold conditions.
I completely understand that heat kills batteries- absolutely. However, CCA has nothing to do with cold starting? I thought Cold Cranking Amps was the number of amps a battery can flow in cold conditions, and that a regular battery uses bigger plates fewer in number thus generally all other things equal allowing for greater amperage burst relative to a small plates/many of a deep cycle? Totally open to being wrong here...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Undrstm8ed View Post
I been using AGM's myself as I stated above for almost 7 years, Our military vehicles use them because of the durability of aggressive shaking, lighter, and regenerative properties. I havent run across anyone yet in the Overland world yet either whose using anything other than AGM's so far. And NONE of those people are using any special charging systems, most of us use simple National Luna [smart] dual battery setups or something equivalent wise. The only additional charge feature it offers is IF you were to kill the main battery of sorts, you can press a button and jump the truck from the house battery(s) without getting out of the vehicle. Now the national Luna dual battery system charger will top off the main battery first, THEN switch over to charge the house battery(s) at a specific voltage.
Fair enough- I have zero experience with AGM so I was basically taking everyone's word for it

Quote:
Originally Posted by Undrstm8ed View Post
Litterally less than 5% of your ALT power goes to actually charging the Battery.. the Vehicle runs off the ALT, the accessories run off the Battery, the initial starting is off the battery, you sitting in a park parking lot rocking out while making moves on your lady runs off the battery.
I can remember testing the alternators on older cars by popping the battery cable- i know the vehicle runs off the alternator (except some modern cars do slowly discharge the battery at idle). Batteries generally dont have to do much except to power accessories when the car engine isnt running, prime the fuel pump, start the car, etc.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Undrstm8ed View Post
And to debunk what I think I am starting to see often in Battery conversations about this "special charger" for AGM's.. You misreading and sharing bad information. No special charging is needed, in fact its almost the opposite due to "overcharging" sensitivity. If anything, I'd be quoted as stating "an external Voltage regulator of the right voltage should be used and or if an adjustable or selectable one was available, that might be something to consider too".

::EDIT:: Just as something else. Some newer cars like Honda for example are using a setup in the ALT much like that of the Clutch Fans we have in our trucks. Battery gets tot he top.. Clutch kicks in and the ALT now issues a way lesser charge and spins a little more freely. http://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/cgi/view...text=auto_pres



READ: "As with all gelled and sealed units, AGM batteries are sensitive to overcharging. A charge to 2.40V/cell (and higher) is fine; however, the float charge should be reduced to between 2.25 and 2.30V/cell (summer temperatures may require lower voltages). Automotive charging systems for flooded lead acid often have a fixed float voltage setting of 14.40V (2.40V/cell); a direct replacement with a sealed unit could overcharge the battery on a long drive."

More good information below in the link..

SOURCE:
http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/a..._glass_mat_agm

http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...witworks.shtml
The two bolded parts--> perhaps I'm repeating bad information, but nonetheless it was something I saw endlessly repeated (and thus I figured I'd have to deal with it if I went the AGM route). That post you quoted I believe is the only post I've made in regards to AGM batteries so I certainly wasnt trying to repeat bad information on scale. Also, the second bolded part is what worries me, but I havent researched it much. I do a few times a year trips of 750-900 miles one way which I do in one sitting- is there an overcharging risk associated with such a trip?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Undrstm8ed View Post
You may wanna rethink your ambitions before throwing $150 on another battery and it not doing what you want as you want. You can easily verify all of that with some google-fu or the above links may suit you just fine.
Im open to suggestions :P I might just stay regular lead-acid- its been working fine. If AGM have overcharging issues on long drives and deep-cycles are a bad choice, thats prolly just what I'll do
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  #14  
Old 10-27-2017, 07:46 PM
Minun Minun is offline
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Default Re: biggest battery for 2000 ranger 4cyl?

I sell, maintain and test a lot of storage batteries in my day job. Not car batteries, but here's some info that may be of value to you (and others in this topic):

- There are A LOT of different battery makers out there. Probably hundreds in China, I also see batteries from almost every country in Asia: Taiwan, Veitnam, Laos, Cambodia, Japan, Korea, etc. As well as Mexico, USA, Canada and Germany. Most factories 1st world countries have closed not because of cost but environmental regulations, for some reason people don't like living near factories that dump a ton of lead dust into the air/water/soil and turn their backyard garden into poisonous toxic waste.

- There are many different ratings for batteries. Buy a 1-year battery at WalMart for $98 and it probably won't last for 2 years. Buy a 9-year battery somewhere else for $250 and it will probably last 10 years or more. The default batteries in my industy are lucky to last 2 years, but I can order a 10 year battery if someone wants one - and when you consider how much all the replacements would cost for cheap batteries, it'll pay for itself twice over.

- Just because something is expensive doesn't mean it's good. Some places will sell a nearly identical product for twice as much as others, and it has the same lifespan.

- Just because it looks the same as the next one doesn't mean it is. Most batteries are are built to standardized shapes and sizes, with black plastic cases. That doesn't mean they come from the same factory or have the same lifespan. The difference is in the quality of manufacturing and materials that went inside. With hundreds of factories producing nearly-identical looking batteries and no way to see what's inside with our own eyes, the best bet is to go by the warranty offered and the reputation of the seller.
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