Another Battery Swap/Upgrade Question moving from Stock Size

[RangerJoey]

Hi All,
I have a 99 project Ranger that calls for a Group 59 battery, (4.0 XLT). After checking the forums, it seems there are other options to throw in that allow for a beefier battery, (notably, more CCA). So I went ahead and shot first but now wondering if I have to do some more jiggering than I thought.
I picked up a Group 34. I can see I need to dremel off that little lip towards the front of the car, but before I go into that, does anyone know if the height is an issue? I never measured my old battery since height is the last thing I thought about. Additionally, this one looks a little thinner. Could just be my imagination, but do I need to swap/modify/upgrade the factory battery hold down? On mine at least, it's that wedge type design.

 

[SenorNoob]

Group 59
590 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)
Length10 1/16 inches
Width 7 3/16 inches
Height 7 5/16 inches

Group 34
700 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)
Length10 1/4 inches
Width 6 13/16 inches
Height 7 7/8 inches

I doubt 1/4 in more length and height would be a problem. Only way to know for sure is try it., unless someone has done it and posted a how to.

 

[RangerJoey]

Thanks! Going to cut that lip off and see what happens. I really don't want to make a mess of things here, but either way, I'd rather move away from that Group 59. Just hoping I don't have to accommodate the height. I just checked and the Everstart Max I picked up is 8 inches. That seems to be significantly taller than the Group 59 but in all the posts I came across, no one ever mentioned the height. I know the front ends upgraded over the years, but now I'm wondering if the 98-00 Rangers have a sloping hood that would prevent this upgrade.
Simple mods...never really simple

 

[SenorNoob]

Simple mods...never really simple

Amen!

 

[Curious Hound]

With ot being narrower, the traditional Ranger hold-down clamp probably won't work. You will most likely need a different hold-down.

I, personally, would steer clear of a taller battery. There is probably enough room. But not a lot. An easy test is to put a blob of modeling clay on top of the highest point of your stock battery. Then shut the hood. If the hood pushes down on the clay, It will leave the clay at the thickness of the clearance you currently have. Measure that, subtract about 1/2" for safety and you know how much taller your new battery can be.

 

[pentode]

I was on the same project last winter. In the end I just broke down and bought the group 59 as I wasn't going to save more than $20 and end up giving myself multiple headaches in the process. Looking forward to hearing how this turns out. Next time, I'm determined to find a better battery solution. Which will probably this winter as I bought a Canadian Tire battery.