Ok, really not trying to start a debate on which is better or not, just trying to get something quality, and I'm not knowledgeable enough on battery specs/tech to make a well informed decision.

I'm looking at getting a new battery here pretty soon, and I guess I'm leaning towards Interstate (always heard good things). Just curious on which one you guys would recommend. Being in Michigan I'm sure I want as high of a CCA as possible, but like mentioned, outside of that I don't have the battery knowledge. So what do you guys like and recommend?

BTW, I have upgrade cables from Wonders to install, but currently only the stock alternator (I think it's 90 amps on a 97). I'll probably bump up to a 136amp once this one quits on me (will most likely add lights and sound system in the future so mine as well upgrade).

Thanks in advance!

 

Just did the research as I thought I needed a new battery (turns out it's the starter), and what I found makes me think that as of now the best choice is the Sears DieHard Advanced Gold 50734 (on sale right now for $147.89). That one is the top pick in the current Consumer Reports battery endurance test for the Group 34 size, and it's an AGM battery, so more robust.

 

Unless you go with an AGM battery you don't want super high CCA unless you like replacing it often. Higher CCA = thinner lead plates stacked closer together which increases both the rate the plates wear (dissolve in the acid) and increases the risk of a short inside the battery (which will kill it quickly), especially if the vehicle is used off-road and subject to hard bumps, shock, jarring, etc.


For flooded ("regular") lead acid batteries you are usually better sticking with lower CCA if you want long life. The 4.0L I6 isn't hard to turn over (an I6 is naturally balanced and the 4.0L has a low compression ratio) so you don't need a high CCA battery. I have a 550CCA Walmart Everstart (Johnson Controls) battery in my XJ and have never had an issue starting even on sub zero days. My Mustang has an OE Ford (also Johnson Controls) 590CCA battery and it has no trouble turning over the 5.0L DOHC (4 cams, 2 per head) 32V V8 with 11.0:1 compression on a cold day, which is a lot harder to turn over than the 4.0L I6 with 9.2:1 or 8.8:1 (depending on year) compression, one cam, and 12 valves (plus the XJ has a lot less electronics drawing power as well).

 

I thought this would happen... but what is the benefit of an AGM battery over a regular flooded battery? I just want to get something quality, and made in the good ole USofA.

 

Interstate MT-58

 

AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries have fiberglass mats soaked in acid between the plates rather than liquid acid. This increases vibration/shock resistance (since the mats help support the plates and keep them from hitting each other and shorting out) and increases life significantly and allows for higher capacity without significantly shortening battery life. AGMs can be more "finicky" with charging though (they are especially known for being difficult to recover if fully discharged), and of course they are more expensive than regular flooded batteries.

 

Thanks man! Appreciate the details. I'll start doing some digging. If anyone else has any info or recommendations, I'll take em.

Appreciate the other recommendations as well!

 

This is what I've had in mine for almost two years. No issues so far. I paid almost $200 for it, so that price is really quite good.

 

If you're going to buy a battery through advance auto, sign up for their speed perks and then use the coupon trt41 for $40 off orders over $100 bucks. I always order parts online and just go to the store to pick them up. Much cheaper. Just did this for my parents battery.

 

I put in a Duralast battery (forget exactly which one, has the red top) on 7/11/12 and has been great.

 

Thanks! Yeah, I have an Advance right by my house.

What battery are you running? I figure I mine as well go with a AGM type battery, but not sure if it's really necessary.

Man, who would have thought something like batteries would give me a headache? I always did standard replacements on other vehicles, but with the Jeep, I mine as well upgrade, right?

 

I picked them up an Autocraft Gold battery. They have an 09 maxima and this is the first time it's getting a battery. The stock one held up for quite a while.

I run an Optima Yellow Top but that's because I got it from work at cost which brought it down to what any other battery is. I can't say anything good or bad about it because I just put it in about a month ago and barely drive my jeep.

 

Well thats unfortunate! Start driving that bad boy!

Thanks for the info. I'll keep digging and see what I end up with.

 

Haha I drive her around locally any chance I can but I work too far to drive the xj unless I feel like eating ramen to afford the fuel . She's more suited for the woods than she is for the road.

 

Deka seems to be a good battery for me so far. USA made also. Local battery shop here sells them now instead of Interstate batteries. They also sell golf carts so they handle a ton of batteries.