So I am going to be installing a winch here in the next month or two and my battery's sides are bulging again. So, I was going to get a new one. I am tired of the 12-18 month batts at Autozone/Checker and was thinking about a Optima. I have gone through all the old posts but did not see the answers to my questions.
First, I understand that if you have a winch you should go for the Optima Yellow 34/78.
1-How long do these batteries last in the heat? Those of you in Arizona. Nevada please let me know.
2-Do you need to modify the battery box so that it will fit?
3-How about the original battery cables, will they reach the posts on the Yellow top?
4-If you have doen any of the following could you please post a few pics?

Thank you.

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My Rig:
2008 Jeep Wrangler JKU
OME HD lift
35" tires (thus far)
plus a ton of other things. J.E.E.P.

I have a red top 34/78. I believe for 2002 models only you have to cut the battery tray to make it fit. Otherwise you have to get the 75/35. The terminals should fit fine. Atleast my positive terminal does, my negative terminal isn't stock (had to replace it).

Edit: these battery should last a very long time. They come with a 3 year warranty, but should last a lifetime.

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2002 Jeep KJ Sport 3.7L 4x4

245/75-16 Mastercraft Courser HSX, 16x7 Cragar, 2" OME MD Lift, ARB Bumper
AEM Brute Force Cold Air Intake, Flowmaster Super 44 Muffler

Currently working on: Full service on transmission & bed-lining ARB bumper

viewtopic.php?f=43&t=84650

For '02 KJ's the battery tray needs to be cut(fender side is best) to make a group 34/78 Optima fit(direct fit for '03+ KJ's).It took me 5 mins to make my Optima fit.The battery terminals will need to be straightened a little to work,again no big deal and takes a few seconds.We ran Optima's in Iraq and Afganistan with zero issues and upto 145 degree heat.Like stated the Red Tops only have the 3 year replacement,Yellow/Blue Tops have a 2 year replacement.Oh and DO NOT use the side terminals on the Optima to hook the winch to,they are not rated for that high of amperage draw and Optima will not warrenty the battery if a winch was hooked to the side posts.

Sounds good. I do want the Yellow top though for winch applications though...right? Also, I remember reading somewhere here on LOST that you should or could disconnect the winch from the battery when not using it. What or how would you do that? I know you would just have to remove the cable but isnt there a disconnect or something like that for winches?

_________________
My Rig:
2008 Jeep Wrangler JKU
OME HD lift
35" tires (thus far)
plus a ton of other things. J.E.E.P.