jayphillip

I recently cracked the stock battery tray, and one of the threaded rods tore loose. I've been looking at buying a metal battery box from ballistic fab or ruff stuff, or maybe even artec. They seem to get good reviews and I want something sturdy... just in case.

My question is: has anyone used any of these single battery boxes and mounted it in the stock location? I'm in a '93 XJ. Looking for ideas. I like to keep my engine bay simple and uncluttered. I've browsed around the threads on here and haven't really found some answers.

Anything ideas help! Thanks.

rmoore1031

I have an aftermarket one for my Optima battery, got it from a vendor on here. Can't remember who it was though.

NatetheOgre

Dirtbound offroad, http://www.dirtboundoffroad.com/opti...erokee-xj.html

Fits like a glove, I put mine in about 2 weeks ago.

jayphillip

Does that one hold the battery down real snug even through there's no crossbar going over the top of the battery?

jayphillip

Any pics?

jeep19xj91

I bought the one from dirtbound when i got my optima, great fit, overall quality product

jeep19xj91

The dirtbound tray uses a wedge at the bottom of the battery like the older fords did. I could take a picture but its kinda dark outside right now

rmoore1031

I don't have any pics, but look on their site. Like mentioned before it uses a lip on the bottom and a plastic piece that comes from Optima. (I had to email Optima for a new plastic hold on since I got rid of mine before I bought this tray.) You'll want to paint the tray so it doesn't rust.

NatetheOgre

As mentioned above it utilizes the wedge hold down that comes from optima with a battery.

Mine holds the battery very well, but it fits under my hood pretty tight so it is hard to get any installed pics.

PocketsEmpty

So are there other trays that are more universal? I don't want an Optima-specific tray...not to hijack.

jayphillip

Yeah, I looked that one up. It looks good, but I think I want one that has a crossbar on top. Just for added protection. I do like how that one is direct bolt in though.

Also, I think I'm leaning towards a more universal one.

jayphillip

Ballistic Fab and ruff stuff have more options, including generic battery boxes that hold pretty much any battery with the right dimensions.

The ballistic generic box is what I'm leaning towards, but it won't be a direct bolt in and I won't know exactly how to bolt/weld it in until I get it. That's why I was hoping someone has tried something similar.

rogerM2000xj

Ruffstuff 34/78 fit perfect in my factory location. Trimmed the lip off the plastic factory tray to create a flat platform for new box. Drilled pilot holes in the new battery box and used some self tapping screws to secure to the plastic shelf. The battery box I ordered from ruffstuff came with a cover that secures with 4 screws. No problems so far.
Hope this helps.