Motorcraft battery

[RSG]

5 years ago I put in a replacement set of batteries, I think the original was bsd65 but the ones I got from a dealer for about $100 each were bh65 (900 cold cranking amps-CCA). I recall that they were changing to a lower CCA, and discounting the batteries I bought.

I got one bad cell and am shopping for a new pair now. Ford now shows a 650 CCA or a 750 CCA for this truck, under the bx665 series. They have an 850 CCA that I would instead choose; stock price seems to be $120 at 2 dealers in the area. The warranty has changed from 48 month replacement to longer, but full replacement on first 3 years, then pro-rated out to 60 or 72 months, I forget which.

Looking for replacements on sale. Also curious your thoughts on why they've reduced the CCA "needs" for this 7.3L engine?

 

[WD40]

I sold batteries for a few years a long time ago, and I always sold the most CCA
that they could afford. Cheap batteries and big cubic inch engines don't go together.
So get the biggest one they have.
Doug

 

[BIG JOE]

X2 on what Doug said.

A 444 CID High (high) Compression Deisel needs all the cranking Amps we can muster.. When it's Cold Outside ? Not to mention what Amps, 8 Glow Plugs pull ?

 

[DaveBen]

I preach what WD40 is selling. Get the BIGGEST batteries that will fit the battery boxes!!

Dave

 

[RSG]

Yeah, guys, I fully agree. I'm just pointing out that Ford is promoting a much smaller rating as direct replacement. Seems crazy.

Also hoping someone knows about a price better than $120 each on the 850 CCA, or a good alternative to Motorcraft. I've gotten variable results out of Interstate batteries, both great and lousy.

 

[IDSTROKER]

i Just bought some 65-60p batteries from Excide they were 1000 cca and 850 ca what a difference it make's I only payed $ 88.00 per battery.

 

[dpantazis]

napa golds. about 100 a piece

 

[CHPMustang]

Since replacing my stock batteries in 2006, I've stuck with the 850-900 cca Kirklands from Costco which run about $80 or so each.

 

[iracemine]

autozone gold tops for me.

 

[RSG]

Just FYI...Current prices here in beautiful central Illinois:
Interstate: 850 CCA, $136 no discounts ("Even Farm & Fleet has more expensive batteries" )
Ford: 850 CCA; $120; 3-yr replacement; 72-month total warranty
Autozone: Duralast Gold 850 CCA; $123; 3-yr replacement; 72 month total warranty
NAPA: Legend series 7565 880 CCA; $114; 3-yr replacement; 75 month total warranty...website shows this to be a 675 CCA and higher price.
Sears:
1. Diehard platinum. 930 CCA; $220 with 4yr full replacement.
2. Diehard gold. 850 CCA; $125; 3-yr replacement; 100 month total.

Battery Specialists and Golf Carts (yeah, I know): 850 CCA/1100CA; model UE65; $64.52; 6-month replacement; 12 month total.