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Battery Tray Swap


85_Ranger4x4

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Joined
Aug 7, 2007
Messages
32,223
Reaction score
17,543
Points
113
Location
SW Iowa
Vehicle Year
1985
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
Transmission
Manual
First gen battery trays generally don't age well, this is how I fixed mine.

I started out with this beauty.



I got all that removed and cleaned up.



Then I hit the JY to find something that might work. I knew second gens had the same dinky battery tray but they were riveted in so I looked at fullsizes. Bullnose Fords had the tray made into the inner fender so that was no dice but I did find brick noses (87-91) had a tray that had potential so I snagged one.



This just might work...




Cut off the rear brace and drilled three holes to actually mount it:





Do watch your clearances, I had to grind some on the corner for the tray to clear my alternator (302 with 96-01 Explorer accessories)



And now I can fit a 65 class battery. I had to be careful on the mounting as the clamp ends up at the front and will easily disappear under the radiator support.

 

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