Battery for 1986 MGM 5.0

[Toploader]

First.............Happy new year to one and all out there in FoMoCo world!

Second:...........what is the largest battery I can put in my '86 Tudor MGM?

Two months ago i put a new battery in and its defective, so my bud will replace no charge.

This time I would like to get something more heavy duty and long lasting!

[Brown_Muscle]

I put a group size 65 in mine, 1000 CA 850CCA... I believe. I don't think much bigger than that will fit. You may need a new, larger battery hold down, but don't quote me on that

[87GrandMarq]

Battery for 1986 MGM 5.0

I had a 65 in my 87 Mgm when I bought it and it sat crooked since the tray is too small. I wanted to get another 65 but ended up getting a 56 since it fit and it’s been fine for almost 2 years. Even when I leave it sitting for a week or two it still cranks strong, I’m pretty impressed.

I realize my reply doesn’t really answer your question but I wanted to throw out personal experience.

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[Toploader]

I had a 65 in my 87 Mgm when I bought it and it sat crooked since the tray is too small. I wanted to get another 65 but ended up getting a 56 since it fit and it’s been fine for almost 2 years. Even when I leave it sitting for a week or two it still cranks strong, I’m pretty impressed.

I realize my reply doesn’t really answer your question but I wanted to throw out personal experience.

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Thank you, I no longer have a tray so that should not be a problem.
I will look into both 65 and 56 size. Should I go with Interstate?

[Toploader]

LOL............the hold down rotted out years ago, the battery is held down with one of those very heavy duty rubber straps with hooks on the ends;-)

[Brown_Muscle]

Interstate is mediocre in my experience. my last bosch lasted me 10 years

[87GrandMarq]

I had an interstate in mine when I bought it and it was old and I drained it a few times yet it kept charging back up no problem. Though that was my only experience with them.

I’d only go with either Walmart because of the price or motorcraft because of the warranty. That said, my 87 has a Walmart special and my 09 p71 and 17 gt both have Motorcraft.


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[Kodachrome Wolf]

A Group 64 is what I run in my ‘87 since that what it calls for. Fits properly in the tray.

[87gtVIC]

65 duralast gold in the vic. Trimming of batt tray (plastic shaving) was required. I also sourced a different yet factory panther metal hold down.

One gripe about the battery I purchase is the posts are reversed....positive is RIGHT next to the core support and fender. Ground is next to the radiator. No issues otherwise.

[Mainemantom]

Toploader : I sent you a lengthy pm as requested. My best suggestion for a good battery now is a Motorcraft from the Ford dealer. Not the cheaper one either. Buy the best at about $135. It seems like there is a quality difference from the dealer vs auto store Motorcrafts being sold. I used to be a Interstate dealer when I had a business before retiring from everything. Only the top tier Interstate batteries are worth buying. They are expensive due to possible high markups as dealers don't have fixed retail prices.

[gadget73]

1986 takes a wierd battery. Forget what, but its smaller than a 65. Those do not fit into the tray properly unless you remove the hold-down hook. Mine has been running un-restrained for a very long time.

and yes cheap batteries are trash. The years of service per dollar works out much better if you just ante up and buy the good one.

[sly]

24R (if you have to use an aftermarket battery tray and hold-down kit)

[Lincolnmania]

group 65 but going to have to mod the battery tray iirc.......86 took a wimpy group 58

interstate batteries rock!
i had the interstate group 65 from jay's colony park in my 89 f-250 that i drive no more than once a month. just replaced it a few weeks ago. i think it was close to 8 yrs old which is good for me. neverstarts barely last 2 lol

[gadget73]

I got 7 years out of my last Neverstart, but that was after a half dozen or so that lasted 2 years and were replaced free under warranty.

[sly]

The last neverstart lasted 7 years in the 93 vic. Had a duralast go for 6 years in the 88 MGM. I've not had any other cars long enough to have a battery I purchased go bad.