My "R" has been cranking slowly for the last two weeks so I figured I'd replace the battery before it left me stranded.
Since the battery is under the truck I figured there was a trick to replacing it. I did a search on the forum and only found one string on the subject and it wasn't very specific so I thought I would figure it out and take pictures for the benefit of those who have never done it.
First, the "R" takes a size 78 battery.The computer at "Wally World" showed a size 75, which is smaller, with a size 78 as second option. The 78 has 100 extra cold cranking amps over the 75 so I don't know why the recommend the 75. (?).
Second, you don't have to crawl under the truck to change the battery. You do have to lie down behind the truck since the battery holder is behind the rear fascia next to the right exhaust pipe. The battery comes out towards the rear of the truck. You will need 8mm, 3/8" and 1/2" sockets for the job.
If you look at the battery holder from the rear you will see two silver nuts (3/8") toward the bottom of the rear plate. (Picture #1) Remove these nuts. Next pull the bottom of the rear access plate back off of the studs then pull it down to remove the plate. You can now get to the battery terminals. (Picture #2)
Disconnect the negative battery terminal (8mm) and tuck it up out of the way. Do the same with the positive terminal.
There are two 1/2" silver nuts on each side of the battery holder. Losen them but do not remove them. Grab the bottom of the battery holder and pull it toward the rear of the truck and the holder will drop down about 5 to 6 inches. (Picture #3) Be careful and try to let it down slowly.
Remove the battery hold down wedge (Also 1/2") in the center of the bottom tray and slide the old battery out.
Put the new battery in the tray and replace the hold down wedge. Lift the battery tray back up and push it forward to hold it up. Tighten the four 1/2" nuts to secure it. (Picture #4)
Reconnect the battery cables (positive first). Slide the rear cover in place and replace the two 3/8" nuts.
You're done.
It's not that big of a job. You can do it in about 30 to 45 minutes. The hardest part is lifting the 40 pound battery up into the holder.
Hope this helps.
Since the battery is under the truck I figured there was a trick to replacing it. I did a search on the forum and only found one string on the subject and it wasn't very specific so I thought I would figure it out and take pictures for the benefit of those who have never done it.
First, the "R" takes a size 78 battery.The computer at "Wally World" showed a size 75, which is smaller, with a size 78 as second option. The 78 has 100 extra cold cranking amps over the 75 so I don't know why the recommend the 75. (?).
Second, you don't have to crawl under the truck to change the battery. You do have to lie down behind the truck since the battery holder is behind the rear fascia next to the right exhaust pipe. The battery comes out towards the rear of the truck. You will need 8mm, 3/8" and 1/2" sockets for the job.
If you look at the battery holder from the rear you will see two silver nuts (3/8") toward the bottom of the rear plate. (Picture #1) Remove these nuts. Next pull the bottom of the rear access plate back off of the studs then pull it down to remove the plate. You can now get to the battery terminals. (Picture #2)
Disconnect the negative battery terminal (8mm) and tuck it up out of the way. Do the same with the positive terminal.
There are two 1/2" silver nuts on each side of the battery holder. Losen them but do not remove them. Grab the bottom of the battery holder and pull it toward the rear of the truck and the holder will drop down about 5 to 6 inches. (Picture #3) Be careful and try to let it down slowly.
Remove the battery hold down wedge (Also 1/2") in the center of the bottom tray and slide the old battery out.
Put the new battery in the tray and replace the hold down wedge. Lift the battery tray back up and push it forward to hold it up. Tighten the four 1/2" nuts to secure it. (Picture #4)
Reconnect the battery cables (positive first). Slide the rear cover in place and replace the two 3/8" nuts.
You're done.
It's not that big of a job. You can do it in about 30 to 45 minutes. The hardest part is lifting the 40 pound battery up into the holder.
Hope this helps.
"JIMINY1" --- 2005---67,200
