Hey fellow XJ'rs I need to replace my battery and I have been reading ALOT of BAD reviews on Optima Red Tops well Optima in general. So I've decided to steer clear of those. I have also been reading ALOT of GOOD reviews on the Die Hard Platinum Series. So looking at buying one of them.

I could go with the group 34 which is a standard size for the XJ but think I want something even bigger and better. Figured while im upgrading might as well go bigger.

So what id like to know is will a Group 65 Battery fit? Or do I need to modify the battery area to get it to fit? If so how much modifying would be needed? Or would it fit pretty easy.

If someone is already running a group 65 Battery in stock location Id like to see some pics on fitment. Thanks.

 

The physical size of the battery doesn't matter. You want to go with the higher cranking amps.

 

That's why I want to go with the Group 65 Battery. More CCA amps, & CA, its better than the Group 34. But its also a bigger size battery so I would like to know if a Group 65 would fit?

 

This is the Battery i'm looking at getting. >>>>>Die Hard Platinum Group 65 .......and this is the factory Fitment Replacement Battery. >>>>>Die Hard Platinum Group 34 .........or the >>>>>Die Hard Platinum Group 34/78DT

 

I know that battery is sold at Sears auto motive department. You may want to give them a call and see if they can give you the dimensions for it and see if you would have enough room to fit it. Sorry I couldn't be much more help.

 

Well it gives the dimensions on the website, but just wanted clarification if someone has already installed a group 65 battery in there cherokee.

 

Nobodys tried installing a bigger and better battery in there jeep?

 

This page should help you a lot:

http://www.rtpnet.org/teaa/bcigroup.html

Group 65 is very close in height but quite a bit wider AND deeper. Due to the width it won't fit exactly in the stock location unless you don't have an AC compressor or you cut the inner fender.

For massive upgrades most people find an older Optima (before their quality control took a dump) or those fancy Sears DieHard Platinum (same as Odyssy) batteries, or go the dual battery route. It really depends on your needs. Unless it's to power stuff while the engine is off don't forget to upgrade your alternator.

Regarding CCA and AGM spill-proof, unless you really expect to roll your XJ a standard lead-acid is fine for most people. In which case buyer should beware that higher CCA in the same group size isn't in the best interests of longevity. More power in the same format is achieved by increasing the density internally - that means lead plates are jammed closer together, and sometimes thinner. This reduces their ability to take shock and vibrations easily. If you look at aftermarket lead-acid batteries as a whole there's a strong correlation between "get the most CCA" and "dead cell after 1-3 years", but the low CCA OEM batteries somehow run fine for 13 years...

Food for thought. (If you aren't already stuffed with turkey lol)

 

is there a reason why you feel you need bigger & better?
I use the autozone duralast gold with no issues and have been using them for years.
there is basically only one company that makes everyone's batteries, just different names.
I have never had a issue where these batteries died or left me stranded and when they get weak in my "other" car from not using it enough I just get another one for less $$

 

Own a tape measure?

 

Group 27 fits with minor trimming to battery tray. Bigger and more cramking and reserve than a 34. ever thought bout Odyssey batts. I run a 27 odysset. 1200 cca and ni probs for 4 years. Kinda spendy but awsome.

 

I have a 65 series battery in my 98 XJ. If you click on this link you will see my battery in the pictures. Completely unrelated topic though lol.
As far as size and fittment go is is pretty tight. Its the same with as the 34 series but longer by about 1 1/2 inches though. It sets right on top of the box though as you see in the pictures. I figure that I could take my Dremel and cut just the end off closest to my AC compressor and it would fit under there. would just post pictures but I'm too fat and lazy now.... A links a little easier lmfao......
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/hea...e-easy-155173/

 

costco batteries are cheap, last me 10yrs, and easy starts in -40.

 

Thanks man, exactly what I wanted to see. I just wanted to see if someone else was running a group 65 battery and what the fitment looked like. It looks tight but doable. Thanks for the link. Im also to damn lazy. Lol. Didn't feel like going out to the xj and pulling out the old battery to use a tape measure to see if one would fit. Figured what the hell someone else out there has already installed one. They probably got a picture of it. Or has figured out a way to stuff a group 65 battery in there. Might as well post and ask.

Thanks man. I will be ordering one soon.

 

The Christmas turkey was really working on me when I saw your post lol. Glad I could help.