Replacement battery tray

[85_Ranger4x4]

I think the bricknose (87-90ish) F-series battery tray is the answer.

Never got a good look at the bullnose (80-86) tray because they sit under the plastic inner fender which I thinks traps moisture and debris. Most didn't look too hot, same thin material first gen Rangers are made out of. The funny wall is for the evap canister to mount to.

Bricknose ones mount similar to a first gen Ranger and are much thicker and more durable material... in the two yards I went in I couldn't find a bad one. Has provisions for both J-hooks or the wedge too.

 

[Mark_88]

I had the exact same piece of plastic (top of image) on my battery for years. Used it to cover the posts of the battery so I didn't weld my wrenches to the battery...lol.

I was surprised to see it in that parts grouping because I don't think that was the original use for it...but I could be mistaken on that. At one point I had pieces of rubber matting and runner mats cut and bolted into the engine bay to try to combat moisture getting on the distributor. Even had a rubber boot from a Tempo distributor cut to fit my Ranger...

Which is partly why I rarely had problems with my truck starting due to moisture or corroded battery terminals...

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I had the exact same piece of plastic (top of image) on my battery for years. Used it to cover the posts of the battery so I didn't weld my wrenches to the battery...lol.

I was surprised to see it in that parts grouping because I don't think that was the original use for it...but I could be mistaken on that. At one point I had pieces of rubber matting and runner mats cut and bolted into the engine bay to try to combat moisture getting on the distributor. Even had a rubber boot from a Tempo distributor cut to fit my Ranger...

Which is partly why I rarely had problems with my truck starting due to moisture or corroded battery terminals...

That was my weekend JY haul.

Actually it went over all the connectors on the DS fenderwell in a '84 Ranger. Thought it was neat, never seen one before so I nabbed it. Not sure how it will fit since I have a coil where this truck had the duraspark box though.

Been on the fence about grabbing that inner fender. My duraspark box is actually under the seam for the hood so theoretically it could get rain on it (but the '84 had the coil there from the factory so how big of a deal is it?) and then getting a can coil and putting it on top of the intake like how Ford did on a lot of 302's from the factory.

 

[Mark_88]

Aha~

I slid mine under the tie down bar and had a similar piece on both sides so that I could remove them quickly if I needed to get at the battery posts or cables. They were never securely fastened but managed to stay in place for most of the 14 years I drove the 88 Ranger.

 

[AndyB.]

Here is a new old stock original tray:

http://www.rearcounter.com/E3TZ-10732-D-parts89725.html

Original battery was a group 62 with an optional group 64. Group 62 is no longer made and has been replaced by a group 56. Group 64 batteries are still available, and fill up the tray.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Dang, that is a good find. Not bad on prices either. I really need to sneak up on a parts book...

I think I am going to keep going the direction I am headed for now, if it doesn't work out now I have a fallback.

If they sell that one the part number is E3TZ10732D if anyone down the road needs it.