Dead battery today (Shaker 500 issue). Went and bought a replacement and it must be slightly larger than the stock motorcraft because I cannot get the long bolt that holds the nylon strap that goes over the battery to thread into the nut in the battery tray. The new battery must be slightly wider (front to back) than the motorcraft.

Anyone resolved this issue?

 

Man, I had the same issue on the first battery I purchased. I ended up going with the Red Top Optima and it fit just fine using the stock tie down.

The only thing you can do is cut the strap and have someone sew on some additional length. People have purchased Billet style battery tie downs, but I'm not sure if they fit non-standard battery sizes.

 

I used a Duralast #47-DL from auto zone. the only thing I had to do was cut one of the two little black plastic spacer things that are on each side of the tray to keep the battery centered like 1/8" or less to make it sit down in there flat. the stock heat sheild fits over it fine, and the stock strap bolts down just right. the posts are recessed just like the stock batteries are, and it works perfectly.

 

^^^
those spacers should pop out...no need to cut

it took me a while to figure that out when i was trying to shoehorn a new battery in

 

Wish I could help you but I cant even get the negative terminal off!!!!Went to instal some lighted sills today and couldnt do it because no matter how hard I tried the dang thing wouldnt come off.

 

i don't know why your terminal wouldn't come off, they should come off rather easily.

Yes I know the spacers come out, but I wanted to keep something on each side just so the battery is firmly in place. It took me all of 3 minutes while in the parking lot of the auto parts store to chop the piece down a tad, using a hacksaw they happened to have in their loaner tools behind the counter.

 

well i changed mine out for a duralast as well....the plastic spacers came out and the long tie down bolt would not screw...i dont use the strap at all anyways since the battery swap but it doesnt matter the battery is heavy enough to stay down on its own and i dont plan on running over some daredevil ramps in the future...

you can see it in the pic below...the battery goes nowhere, nothing to worry about...

 

I just replaced the OE battery in mt '06 GT with an Interstate MegaTron, size 40R. I had to remove the 2 spacers on the side (no cutting required, they just lift out) and the 40R fit like a glove. The strap fit perfect also. The 40R is the recommended Hi-Cap battery for this car. I thought about an Optima, but I couldn't justify the added expense and possible fitment problems. Interstate is a hell of a good battery.

 

+1 on the Interstate.

I haven't had to replace mine yet (despite letting her sit often for 2-4 weeks). If my battery dies prematurely in this car I'll be one of the forum's raving maniacs. I just sold a '00 4Runner that still had it's original battery (Panasonic) and was starting just fine in single digit temps. These Motorcraft batteries are truly garbage.

 

i thought about those batteries as well but since i do shows, i dont think the green or yellow tops on those would be very appealing if you know what i mean :-)