Battery replacement for 5.0

[smitty54]

RockAuto carries a Motorcraft starter

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=386235&cc=1430162&jsn=472

[jenJuka]

Just changed a Motorcraft battery out of my Explorer that had been in it since 2012. I've been very happy with Motorcraft. Having said that though, we have a battery rebuilder in the the area and can get rebuilds for $60 that are packed to twice the weight and last forever. Might be worth looking into for some if you have a rebuilder in your area. Cheap way to get a great battery with warranty.

[mb757]

According to my catalog it is a BXT56A that should be in that vehicle. The 56 is the group number, most very battery company will use the group number to catalog their parts. I have one in stock and my Motorcraft supplier has one as well, the nice thing with a Motorcraft battery is they have a 3 year free replacement and will pro-rate from 37-84 months.

[Quikk86]

Now that we are in 2023 and this thread was started before the lovely pandemic... what are folks using for batteries in the factory battery tray in their 5.0 cars? Was trying to get a Napa (Legend Premium) #8458 and was told that their is no supply and they have the lesser quality (lower CCA and reserve) 7558 for the same price as the option - don't love that!

[Bryan Knebworth]

At the local Ford dealership, I purchased a battery for my '83 GT 5.0; Motorcraft BXL 58 A. With exchange, I paid $106.00 out the door.

[Quikk86]

At the local Ford dealership, I purchased a battery for my '83 GT 5.0; Motorcraft BXL 58 A. With exchange, I paid $106.00 out the door.

Wow, great price! Was that recently, as in the last few months?

I just grabbed a Duracell SLI58 for $168 out the door for my '88 LX 5.0. We'll see how that works out.

[Bryan Knebworth]

Wow, great price! Was that recently, as in the last few months?

I just grabbed a Duracell SLI58 for $168 out the door for my '88 LX 5.0. We'll see how that works out.

It feels recent, but was a few years ago now. For more info; http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...0-00-Batteries

[KevinK]

A couple of things worth mentioning.
-Motorcraft changed the warranty to 3 years, that's all.
-As stated in the Motorcraft link, "Clarios makes Motorcraft Batteries. Formerly Johnson Controls was making these batteries, until late 2019, Brookfield Business Partners bought the Johnson Controls automotive battery business and formed Clarios LLC. However, the Motorcraft Batteries were explicitly made for the Ford and Lincoln Vehicles

Glad to hear they can be purchased still. My second option is Costco for Interstate but they don't carry our size. Next option is the Interstate store. Last I knew they were the same manufacturer.

[Bentley]

Found the stock size battery at Rural King for $86.... Its an exide ( and I hate exide batteries) but for the price and it was IN STOCK, i splurged......

[Bryan Knebworth]

Grateful that Ford Motorcraft parts are still readily available so we don't need to use AC Delco!! :P

[ITdude87]

parts.ford.com has this available for order/local pickup for an 86' 5.0

I think I'm going to snag one just because.

There's a newer battery with a 4/22 sticker in there now, but I'm a simp for Motorcraft labels and parts under the hood.

[OX1]

Found the stock size battery at Rural King for $86.... Its an exide ( and I hate exide batteries) but for the price and it was IN STOCK, i splurged......

Have a full part/model number on that? Home depot sells Exide by me, but they do not have one that fits an 86 fox.
(and I never heard of Rural King).

[ZEN50]

The 58 series is easier to find than a 56 for sure. Just upgrade to 87-93 battery tray and it all fits like factory.

Tim, where are you finding a 56 series locally?

[ITdude87]

I selected Borgman Ford over in Grandville for the location. I just gave it a try with Great Lakes Ford, and it has the same 1-2 day availability, but the price is $239 there (makes no sense to me).

IIRC you can get a discount on parts if you're a WMMC member as well, I haven't used this benefit, but I hear it exists.

[OX1]

The 58 series is easier to find than a 56 for sure. Just upgrade to 87-93 battery tray and it all fits like factory.

Tim, where are you finding a 56 series locally?

I upgraded to that and a group 65 on the LTD, can't on the Capri due to moving batt to pass side due to turbo,
so rad hose limits battery width, and IC piping limits battery length.

[ZEN50]

Wow that's a clean engine bay!
I think the 58 is a little wider & maybe shorter in length, not a 100% sure?

[MIKE'SVO86]

Yep, shorter and wider.

[1986Saleen]

The Diehard Silver Group 56 is still available at Advance Auto Parts and a few other places. It's pretty much identical to the current/previous Motorcraft Group 56. If you're a little creative, I've heard even more is possible...

[OX1]

Wow that's a clean engine bay!
I think the 58 is a little wider & maybe shorter in length, not a 100% sure?

Thanks on the "bay"!!

It's a little more than a little wider, 1-1/8" to be exact.
Pretty sure I checked and it would not fix the 86 batt box, and
the 87 up batt box won't fix pass side, due to AC lines coming off
condenser.

https://www.jegs.com/Sizecharts/bcigroup.html

The Diehard Silver Group 56 is still available at Advance Auto Parts and a few other places. It's pretty much identical to the current/previous Motorcraft Group 56. If you're a little creative, I've heard even more is possible...

Only $180, UGH!! I decided to go with the Motorcraft while it is still available.
Ordered one for tomorrow. Also not cheap @149, but at least it looks "good" under the hood.