What battery for Ranger Edge

[Stewie]

I was told by the lube shop that my battery was only at about 450. They recommended I replace it before winter. It is the stock motorcraft battery for my truck. 2002 Ranger Edge 3.0. The battery is rated for 540 Cold Cranking amps. I am not sure if I want to replace it with another motorcraft
battery. For around the same money I can get an aftermarket like Die Hard or other with 7 or 800 CCA. What battery are you guys using when replaceing a worn original?
My nephew, the previous owner said that it had never not started in the winter. He did however plug in his block heater on really cold nights.
Thanks in advance.

 

[strvger]

i'd go for more amps. i'm using a gell cell (not Optima) marine starting battery. good for 750cca and still has more reserve than a standard car/truck battery. living here in northern Mn. it gets very cold in the winter. never failed to start, but like your nephew,i do plug the truck in when the temps start dipping below -10F. just my $.02.

 

[Stewie]

I am actually further south than you are. I live near Niagara Falls Ontario. So we are almost as far south as parts of Northern california and Nevada. Our winters are not that bad. We might get 1 or2 below 0F. Once or twice a year. I feel that I can get a lot more battery for the same price as the Stealership is charging for there 540 amp battery. Are there any really good brands for in the 100 to 120 range?

 

[COPPERHEAD85]

I have sold DEKA batteries for 4 years now and in my opinion they are a damn good battery.
In 4 years I still do not see a lot of come backs where its the battery's fault.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

I've seen LOTS of 8-10 year old Motorcraft batteries come into work that are just starting to fail. The Tested Tough batteries have an excellent warranty.

I'm running a 1000CCA Motorcraft in my 91 Ranger, Its been in there for 4 years with zero issues.

 

[strvger]

sears die hard and interstate batteries have been pretty dependable brands.

 

[Stewie]

I've seen LOTS of 8-10 year old Motorcraft batteries come into work that are just starting to fail. The Tested Tough batteries have an excellent warranty.

I'm running a 1000CCA Motorcraft in my 91 Ranger, Its been in there for 4 years with zero issues.

Beleive it or not I am pretty sure this battery is the original battery. I have had no issues with it and my nephew didn't either for the last 5 years.
That is why I am asking the question. I am debating whether to buy the Motorcraft again. I took it for an oil change and I guess they do a test on the battery. They gave me a printout showing that It is down a little. I don't know how accurate this is and I will not do anything until it fails.
I am just doing my homework on where I will spend my money.
I am looking for your experince with other batteries compared to OEM.
Thanks for the feedback guys.
Is the 1000CCA battery a 59 series? I am using the Ford parts lookup and the battery for my Truck is listed only as a 59 at 540 CCA.

 

[strvger]

i'd get the largest size that will fit the tray and let your hood close. any cca in the 700-1000 range should do well for you. i believe in having plenty of starting power and if anything would happen to the alternator, you'd have more battery power that would get you home or to a shop. and while you're in there, be sure to check your primary power and ground wires and connectors for corrosion, covers cracking and splitting, etc.
just my $.02.