That's one thing I'm jealous of the DII owners about. The DII will take a larger battery. The group 31 is too big for a D1.
If if it's this one though, it has a really poor warranty. http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...ery#fragment-1

 

The link is to a 31S. 31A has the proper terminals. But, yes, roger that on the warranty. I noted that too, and reason it must be due to the known application: it is designed to go in heavy equipment, and subsequently exposed to greater vibration, etc. Hence, the shorter warranty. While I've seen a few batteries fail inside the warranty period, it has never happened to me. Like I said, I haven't done it yet, but when push comes to shove, I believe I'll purchase this one. If warranty terms are important the buyer, proceed accordingly.

 

Which doesn't make a lot of sense since they are supposedly designed to withstand the rough use better than "normal" batteries.

 

Sure it makes sense: after three years in a Caterpillar, perhaps 40% of the batteries will fail. Why would the retailer want to give free replacements to 40% of their customers? Three years in a Land Rover might lead to 2% failure, a likely similiar failure rate in one year of back-hoe use. The fact that they are designed tougher to withstand the abuse is one of the attractive features to me.

 

I recall a news story from Florida, an older lady gave up her 1964 Comet, after 576,000 miles. She always bought repair items that were "lifetime", and she had gotten 18 JC Penny batteries exchanged. That works out to an average of 2.6 years. But certainly she was the queen of "see ya next time, boys". Probably a lot of short trips, battery not being fully recharged, helped speed her failure rate.

Even without the world record, Vietch is fond of noting that the car has outlasted three marriages. Mechanically, it's worn through three sets of shocks, 18 batteries and eight mufflers. Veitch bought the car in February 1964 for just $3,289.

 

I agree. But my point was that it doesn't seem to be as effective a design as you would think if they only give a 1 year warranty. Then again, the price is little, if any, higher than a regular battery so I honestly wonder if they are built any more tough.

In any case, I just bought one of these for our '97
Buy AutoCraft Gold Battery, Group Size 34/78, 800 CCA 34/78-4 at Advance Auto Parts
I'd prefer another Diehard Platinum but money is tight and we will probably be selling it in a year or so.

 

A GM parts counter man told me these are made on the same assembly line that manufactures AC Delco, which was the only battery I ran in my boats. It's one thing to need a jump in a parking lot, another to need a jump out on the lake. Like I said, never experienced a failure. I think you made a good choice.

 

Ok, good info from everyone and a good discussion. I will look to get:
1. Cheapest
2. Most CCA
3. Largest that will fit
4. Best warranty

 

Sounds like this is the identical battery as is sold at WalMart. They are both using the PowerFrame technology.

I guess it's down to price, convienience, warranty, and ease of return if a problem arises.

 

Anyone use Interstate? What do you all know about the AGM Batteries. Except that they are a fortune?
I have used the Megatrons with great results although not cheap
Interstate Batteries Results Page - Automotive / Truck 2003 Land Rover Discovery