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Time to replace my battery, aftermarket replacement recommendations?

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by MNtundra, Sep 6, 2022.

  1. Sep 6, 2022 at 9:12 PM
    #1
    MNtundra

    MNtundra [OP] New Member

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    Minnesnowta
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    Bilstein 5100's, 4runner Wheels 31" BFG, Rear Seat Delete
    Hello Fellow Tundrians,
    My battery is in need of replacement and I want to hear what you all have replaced with. For instance, on my other DD (Honda CRV) an upgrade is to replace the small stock 51R battery with a larger 24R. https://practicalmechanic.com/2021/04/27/how-to-upgrade-to-a-larger-battery-in-a-honda-accord/ This provides better Cold Cranking Amps and a beefier battery. Is there a battery hack like this? If not, should I get an Optima Red Top or Premium 48 month Napa Platinum? I am well aware of the AUX battery write-ups with the addition of an AGM 27 and dont run anything other that factory installed draw. Thanks!
     
  2. Sep 6, 2022 at 9:26 PM
    #2
    weadjust

    weadjust New Member

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    Tupelo, MS
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    I got 7 years out of my last Walmart Everstart Maxx battery so I bought another one. I'm pretty much stock except for aftermarket stereo
     
    not so fast 2 and Leo's first like this.
  3. Sep 6, 2022 at 10:34 PM
    #3
    NickB_01TRD

    NickB_01TRD You don't need less cars, just more driveway.

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    Not sure if your truck has a 24f battery or a 27 (F?) but I think the 27 is the biggest you can go stock location as long as you have the size 27 battery tray. I have a 24f now with a 27 battery tray. When my battery goes I'll probably get a 27. As far as brand I have no idea.
     
  4. Sep 7, 2022 at 3:16 AM
    #4
    Tundra2

    Tundra2 Zoinked

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    Had gud results with everstart from Wall wurld
     
  5. Sep 7, 2022 at 4:28 AM
    #5
    mZiggy

    mZiggy Honey badger; VFPro licensed; YotaWerx Tuning

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    Not sure what battery group the 1st gen uses but when I had my Tacoma I had an Odyssey 34R-790 AGM and that was excellent.

    I plan to get another whenever I upgrade my Tundra's battery.
     
  6. Sep 7, 2022 at 4:29 AM
    #6
    mZiggy

    mZiggy Honey badger; VFPro licensed; YotaWerx Tuning

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    I hear good things about Northstar too.

    Optima's quality has declined quite a bit over the last 5 or so years from what I hear.
     
  7. Sep 7, 2022 at 4:45 AM
    #7
    shifty`

    shifty` Is the Gila Copter a love machine?

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    (see signature for truck info)
    Just important to note, AGM upgrade requires other changes in 1st gen, and potentially other generations. For 1stgen, it's a plug-in AGM diode that looks like a micro fuse to boost voltage, else you'll kill that nice AGM battery in short time by under-volting it. for 1st Gen drivers, IIRC, it plugs into the ALT-S fuse slot in the under-hood fuse/relay box.

    If you already know this, my comment is not aimed at you. Just for others who read this now or later who aren't aware.
     
    tvpierce, 1lowlife, des2mtn and 3 others like this.
  8. Sep 7, 2022 at 4:49 AM
    #8
    mZiggy

    mZiggy Honey badger; VFPro licensed; YotaWerx Tuning

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    It's good info, I don't mind.

    I haven't looked into it deeply enough to find out if the fuse/diode is required on the 2/2.5-gen as well. On the 3GTacoma, alternator voltage output controls were conveniently available via VFTuner but that's not the case for these tundras.
     
    Last edited: Sep 7, 2022
    shifty`[QUOTED] and ColoradoTJ like this.
  9. Sep 7, 2022 at 4:57 AM
    #9
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    I am at 6 years on my ACDelco batteries. Probably get another set of those here soon.
     
  10. Sep 7, 2022 at 5:36 AM
    #10
    HBTundra

    HBTundra New Member

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    Tell me more about said diode . . . I put a 24 Odyssey & would rather not kill it early.
    DM Me if you prefer that way.
    Gracias.
     
  11. Sep 7, 2022 at 6:09 AM
    #11
    Gaston

    Gaston New Member

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    HBTundra[QUOTED] and ColoradoTJ like this.
  12. Sep 7, 2022 at 6:22 AM
    #12
    shifty`

    shifty` Is the Gila Copter a love machine?

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    ColoradoTJ likes this.
  13. Sep 7, 2022 at 7:25 AM
    #13
    MNtundra

    MNtundra [OP] New Member

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    Bilstein 5100's, 4runner Wheels 31" BFG, Rear Seat Delete
    All great responses! I currently have a 5 year old Duralast 24F and think I will replace w/ a 27F. Has anyone done any cable upgrading on their Gen1 (I.E. 4< gauge ground/alternator/etc.)? When my alternator goes, I am doing the sequoia upgrade!

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    Last edited: Sep 8, 2022
  14. Sep 7, 2022 at 7:33 AM
    #14
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    Pretty sure duralast and acdelco are not the same.

    Some good advice is to keep the top of your battery clean. If you want to do a little science experiment, take a voltmeter and test for voltage on the battery, but not on the terminals. Anywhere on the plastic lid. Then clean the top of your battery and retest in the same spot. :thumbsup:

    It might shock you. I have seen up your 3VDC tracking across the battery lid. Even more important if your battery hold down isn’t insulated.
     
    tvpierce, shifty`, des2mtn and 2 others like this.
  15. Sep 7, 2022 at 8:28 AM
    #15
    chunk

    chunk New Member

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    110 miles north of Los Angeles, Ca.
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    Bone stock
    Napa 7 year battery. The last one, the same model battery, went 7 years and was still okay, but it was showing signs of its age, so I got a new one before I was the guy holding the jumper cables.
     
    WILLINH likes this.
  16. Sep 7, 2022 at 8:57 AM
    #16
    Bakershack

    Bakershack Critical of Noncritical Thinkers

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    I see what you did there! :p
     
    shifty` and ColoradoTJ[QUOTED] like this.
  17. Sep 7, 2022 at 9:37 AM
    #17
    MNtundra

    MNtundra [OP] New Member

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    Bilstein 5100's, 4runner Wheels 31" BFG, Rear Seat Delete
    Yup, sorry for errant confusion, ACDelcos in the other rig, this is or was a duralast. Will do a cleaning this weekend.
     
  18. Sep 7, 2022 at 9:45 AM
    #18
    Jack McCarthy

    Jack McCarthy Truck repair enthusiast; Rust Aficionado

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    I usually get 7-8 years out of my 27F directly from Toyota. Anything less and I get a credit towards a replacement.
     
    txagg likes this.
  19. Sep 7, 2022 at 9:55 AM
    #19
    des2mtn

    des2mtn Third Member

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    Where my wheels stop rolling
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    Tonto cover
    I've been running a Northstar AGM 27F for over four years now and I've been pretty happy. I have the Alt-S fuse from HKB installed and monitor voltage while driving, the ALT-S fuse brings it back into the 14.1v+ range with the engine running. Since the truck sits for a few weeks at a time, I'll throw a trickle charger on it at home.


    I have, I upgraded from a 130A alternator to a 150A alternator and did the Big 3 upgrade. Alternator itself is plug-and-play if your truck has a 130a from the factory. Went overboard and used 2/0 gauge.
     
  20. Sep 7, 2022 at 10:00 AM
    #20
    Kimosabe

    Kimosabe Slacker

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    I recently upgraded from a 24 to 27F and like having the extra Cold Cranking Amps and reserve capacity, especially come winter.
     
    Jack McCarthy and MNtundra[OP] like this.
  21. Sep 7, 2022 at 10:41 AM
    #21
    1lowlife

    1lowlife Toxic prick and pavement princess..

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    DADA
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    I'd go with an Interstate MTP..
    That is what I had until Toyota gave me an 84-month TruStart when they replaced my cats..
    Surprisingly the 24F has more CCAs than the 27F.
    But the 27F has more reserve capacity.

    MTP Batteries for Car and Truck | Interstate Batteries

    I went the X2 Power AGM route for 6 months and it was more trouble than it was worth to me..
    Even with the HKB diode and monthly topping off, it still when to shit..
    I may have gotten a lemon, but Batteries Plus wouldn't honor their warranty promises.
    I used that $300 X2 on an Interstate core charge.:thumbsup:
     
  22. Sep 7, 2022 at 2:17 PM
    #22
    MNtundra

    MNtundra [OP] New Member

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    Bilstein 5100's, 4runner Wheels 31" BFG, Rear Seat Delete
    Well pulled the duralast and oh what a surprise! Rusting mounting bracket due to pooling water in the batter tray (-_-). Now I need to address this too. May try mounting an aftermarket battery tray?

    On a side note, my truck did not come with the option, but curios what this port is for? (Circled in red)

    I have decided to go with a interstate 27F battery. https://costco.interstatebatteries....28&choice4=2068732&choice5=2068734&Country=US

    AF716956-9EA4-40D0-B5A1-446132740CAC.jpg
    25000C5D-B5FB-43B5-9D9B-252C6387045E.jpg
    881547C4-3D89-4951-ACF2-F2A6E59C10DB.jpg
    62D65357-5E21-45D8-AC6B-0FDD8011A265.jpg
     
    Last edited: Sep 8, 2022
    1lowlife likes this.
  23. Sep 8, 2022 at 2:05 PM
    #23
    MNtundra

    MNtundra [OP] New Member

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    Bilstein 5100's, 4runner Wheels 31" BFG, Rear Seat Delete
    Done. ✅ 24F to 27F

    FF19F03C-5E10-4C72-8366-F0F44DFA90D2.jpg
     
    seth419, HBTundra and shifty` like this.
  24. Sep 8, 2022 at 3:14 PM
    #24
    seth419

    seth419 New Member

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    Nice, Costco was the cheapest I could find and I think it was at least $20 cheaper than Autozone etc.
     
    MNtundra[OP] likes this.

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