Howdy guys - I realize this is probably like asking what is the best color choice for a Bronco..........but here goes anyway

I am gonna get a new battery

- one battery, not considering two
- like the concept of the Optima but not willing to pay the price and take the risk that all their quality problems are true
- will be running high amp alternator on 5.0 serp
- will be adding winch soon
- want dual posts (top and side)

If I missed anything I should be considering please let me know.

Any input and recommendations would be much appreciated !

Thanks in advance !

Size? As big as you can get. Look into a class 31 size. If it will fit.

I did a bunch of reading when I needed a new battery, about 1 year ago. I had an Optima for 12 years before it failed, but it looks like after Optima was bought by Johnson Controls (I think) their quality went down hill. If you plan on a winch, then you should get a dual purpose battery (not Optima red top). The one consistent recommendation I found was the Deca Intimidator. It is an advanced glass mat battery, like the Optima. It is also sold by Carquest, its called the "Extreme" or something like that (light grey w/yellow top). They aren't cheap, but they are bomber.

I have also heard/read good things about the deca batteries. I have heard good things about die hard batteries too. I have one in my wrx but I can't really comment on it as the application is quite a bit different than a bronco. I have dual red tops in my bronco, a red top in my wifes car, a yellow top in my truck and a red top waiting for my wrx when the die hard goes. I still like optimas. I have never had one let me down yet, but when they do I will probably look into other gel or glass mat battery options based on what I have heard.

Sears diehard platinum. Same as Deka intimidator.

I run a Red top. In talking with a manager at an Advance, he said that about a year ago or a little more, the Optima folks came in and told them that they have changed the way QC was being handled and that their batteries were back up to the snuff they once were. Expensive, yes, but I have not had one fail on me yet (aside from the time my winch power cable shorted out while the bronco was on the trailer).

I run costco batteries in my truck. They are a good value.

I am a firm believer in Battery Tenders as well. I think that's what killed my last set of Costco batteries. Sometimes my truck will set weeks at a time, and I began to notice my batteries getting weaker each time. I warrantied those and have been pretty good at hooking up the battery tender to these and so far so good. In fact, I need to run out there and plug them in today. I you don't drive the vehicle several times a week, get yourself a battery tender.

I have had the best luck with Exide's in mine and customers and I don't mean the neverstarts from walmart. I did run a die Hard from Sears in my 67 and it lasted for a good 7 years, but the next 3 didnt make it more than 4 years total. As for the size you do want it to be compatible with the OE specs for your CCA. If you go too big or too small the charging system can not maintain it properly which will give you premature failure.

I know a lot of people have been claiming their interstates have been the best top them, but I can not say for myself. In reality if you buy a battery with a fresh build date and a good warranty compatible to the vehicles charging system, you should not have issues other than the normal leaving the lights on syndrome.

I have one of the die hard sealed marine batteries in my fullsize for almost two years. Has been great with all my gear, lights, winch etc. it's big and heavy think group 31? Anyway from what I understand it's a rebadged oddessy. Sealed is nice no acid spill worries.

However it's expensive, big and heavy. Think 75lbs?

Group 31 for a single. I've run them in my 83 full size and it worked great for the winch. Can't beat 2 group 27's like I have but that's a lot of weight. I just took out 2 DuraLast Golds from Autozone that were in the Bronco for 12 years. They would probably work for another couple if I didn't have the 8274 drawing 500+ amps at full pull. I replaced them with 2 new DuraLast Golds and can tell that the quality isn't the same (the new batteries are lighter than the old ones}. Less weight = less lead = less life under hard use. If you run a winch make sure to get the largest CCA capacity you can fit, but don't use one of the 1000 CCA batteries that come in a small package (they are for short high current use not sustained draw like winching). They have very thin plates and when subjected to high current draw from a winch the thin plates have a tendency to buckle causing then to short out.

I saw someone in the club running one of these but might have been the smaller one... i had to custom make a battery tray.. or rather had someone help ;)

DieHard Marine Battery, Platinum PM-1 - Group Size 31M

Comes with 4 posts on top.. using two for accessories and the winch...

1150 CCA
205 min of reserve

That's about the same battery I run. Mine a duralast commercial. Group 31 950cca. It just has studs on top. I haven't had any issues.