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Thread: Battery recommedations...

  1. #1
    Senior Member eagle-co94's Avatar
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    Battery recommedations...

    Does anyone know the standard size battery for the D and what the max physical size battery? After being overseas for 3 years my battery is dead so it's time to buy a new one. I'm leaning towards an Optima Yellow top or equivalent.

    I know it's a simple question, but I didn't see a thread with the info.
    Last edited by eagle-co94; 02-28-2013 at 09:40 PM.
    -James . . . "Life without knowledge is death in disguise." ~ H.P.G.

  2. #2
    Senior Member
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    I think the size I was told to quote when walking into a store is whatever they have in their database for a '92 Suburban. Not sure what the exact specs are though.


    Sept. 81, auto, black interior

  3. #3
    My friends think I'm nuts jawn101's Avatar
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    It's a type 78. Easy to find. At least 700 CCA is best.
    Jon
    1981 DMC-12 #02100. July 1981. 5-speed, black, grooved w/flap.
    restoration log, March 2011 to present
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  4. #4
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    You want the largest capacity with side terminals that will fit. An ordinary lead-acid battery is just fine and if taken care of will last at least 5 years. Overpaying for a gel type battery is not worth the extra expense, they do not last any longer and there have been cases where they didn't make 5 years. Spend the money you have left over for that yellow top and buy a Battery Tender. A master switch is also a good investment. It is weird, the Workshop Manual does not have a size for the battery. The one in my car is an A C Delco 650 CCA 75-6yr dimensions are 9"H 7"W 7"H approx.
    Do not throw away your old battery, in many States if you do not turn in a core (old battery) when you buy a new one, they hit you with a big core charge. For instance, in NY it is $15. Make sure the side terminals are in the right positions, they face towards the console and the negative goes towards the rear. Do not overtighten the bolts to the terminals.
    David Teitelbaum

  5. #5
    Owner since 2007 Farrar's Avatar
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    If you're shopping at AutoZone, the "house" part number is 78-DL. From there you should be able to find an equivalent if you don't want a Duralast battery.
    3.0L, automatic, carbureted

  6. #6
    My friends think I'm nuts jawn101's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Farrar View Post
    If you're shopping at AutoZone, the "house" part number is 78-DL. From there you should be able to find an equivalent if you don't want a Duralast battery.
    Yep type 78, any brand you want. That means it will have the side terminals in the correct positions and be the right shape/size, etc.
    Jon
    1981 DMC-12 #02100. July 1981. 5-speed, black, grooved w/flap.
    restoration log, March 2011 to present
    full and detailed photo restoration log

  7. #7
    Senior Member eagle-co94's Avatar
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    Thanks Farrar. My current Red Top that's dead is just outside warranty (from AutoZone) so they're offering a $50 credit towards a new one so that's where I'll go.
    -James . . . "Life without knowledge is death in disguise." ~ H.P.G.

  8. #8
    Senior Member Rich's Avatar
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    Costco/Kirkland Group 78 works fine. Lasts ~4-5 yrs out here in Calif. in our D. Cranks great, fits right, never had one let us down or leak. 800CCA.

    When one starts to get tired they credit you toward a new one on their 100 month warr. If it goes bad in less than 3yrs the replacement is free.

    No testing, no muss; you just pull out the old, sort-of-tired Kirkland, exchange it at the tire-battery desk, pay for the new battery less the warranty credit and go.

  9. #9
    Senior Member BABIS's Avatar
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    I think that the best for the D is a sealed battery, with no gas which actually burns the carpets..
    Let us reply to ambition that it is she herself that gives us a taste for solitude.

  10. #10
    Senior Member
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    Even a "sealed" battery has vents and emits hydrogen gas.
    David Teitelbaum

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