86 battery tray question

[ratrapp]

I'm finally getting ready to put my 86 on the road monday.i had been just putting any random used battery i had laying around to get it started and running.i went and got a new group 58 battery yesterday because thats what according to all the parts stores that its what it takes.the 86 battery tray is different from the 87 -up trays.the 58 fits but it just doesnt seem right as it doesnt lock in the tray like its not the correst size.even my hold down bracket says standard and one size and heavy duty flipped over.curious to see what other 86 owners use for battery size.i can cut up the tray but would rather just get the right battery.

[coheed]

I have a group 34 in my 86 and it fits perfect. Can't remember which side I used on the hold down, but I am using the stock hold down block. 

[eaglescout526]

32 minutes ago, coheed said:

I have a group 34 in my 86 and it fits perfect. Can't remember which side I used on the hold down, but I am using the stock hold down block. 

You got a group 34 in yours? I wasn’t able to get one in my 84XJ

[coheed]

5 minutes ago, eaglescout526 said:

You got a group 34 in yours? I wasn’t able to get one in my 84XJ

Technically a group 78, but same same. This is the interstate battery I have in there currently. This is the battery tray that was in the truck when I got it. I also have the tray out of my grandad's truck in the shed and it's the same style, even though this truck is a late 86 and my grandad's was an early production.

[coheed]

Actually, reading the specs I just realized it's a little wider and taller than the group 34s they offer, but an 1/8" shorter on the long side. Maybe that's why it fits and you couldn't get a group 34 in there?

[eaglescout526]

1 hour ago, coheed said:

Actually, reading the specs I just realized it's a little wider and taller than the group 34s they offer, but an 1/8" shorter on the long side. Maybe that's why it fits and you couldn't get a group 34 in there?

That’s probably why. But group 78 is good to know. 

[ratrapp]

thanks guys,i 'm going to make the 58 fit but if the poor 2.8 survives long enough to outlast this battery ill go with a 34 or 78.

[coheed]

3 hours ago, eaglescout526 said:

That’s probably why. But group 78 is good to know. 

 

1 hour ago, ratrapp said:

thanks guys,i 'm going to make the 58 fit but if the poor 2.8 survives long enough to outlast this battery ill go with a 34 or 78.

No problem. Also an fyi, the 78s are normally only side terminal batteries. The reason I got this one is it has both top and side terminals so it would be easier to connect a second battery or run power to my camper at some point. So, if you get a 78, make sure it works with whatever cable ends you have.

[ratrapp]

yeah you used a 78 dt which has both side and top terminals where a standard 78 has just side posts.