Hello FSC
This thread is dedicated to a little project I'm in the process of doing. I was bored tonight so I got a head start on it.
As most of you know many GM trucks were fitted with the wherewithal to have dual batteries.
For diesel trucks, dual batteries are a natural fixture. Gas trucks equipped with the stock plow prep package also have this capacity.
But your truck can too.
First you need these three parts, which you can get from either a dealership for 40$, or GM PartsDirect for 25$. Sadly shipping to Alaska is that bad, so I went with a dealership.
Tray: 15705102
Bolt and Battery-Holder: 11509853 & 356668
Once these parts are acquired remove the fender support, by removing the four 1/2 head bolts.
Good, now we've got that out of the way.
Now this won't fit with the new battery so don't bother putting it back on when you're done. I did but that was so I wouldn't misplace it until I get it back to Anchorage.
Now its time to get that pesky brace out of there. I don't see why they didn't just put the battery tray in all of these trucks because the stock brace doesn't do anything special. But oh well, lets yank that sucker right out of there.
Hmm... well it looks like I forgot to take a picture before I removed it, but I'll give you a look at it anyways.
Bolts marked in yellow are absurdly easy, the burgundy ones might give you some trouble.
The one at the back will need a short extension to come off easily. And the trouble one at the front, or right in this picture, needs a long extension or a very small ratchet.
The bolt at the front of the brace isn't the real problem. The overflow tank for the cooling system uses the same stud and its on top of the brace.
You'll need to either unbolt the other overflow tank screw, or you'll need to very carefully lift it up and off the stud. I managed to do this but it also could have broken the tank support.
The back nuts are 1/2in. The bolts are 16/32 but I could be wrong, I'll have to double check that.
Now maneuver the non-tray out and discard it.
Take the new tray and place it in sliding it under the res tank, then over the firewall studs.
Now put the res tank back over its stud and drop it into place.
Excellent
Now put that res tank bolt back on
see what I mean about a long extension?
Don't forget about these bolts holding it to the fender.
And here's the finished tray.
Well, its dark and cold (-2) I'm going to bed.
Next time I'll be installing a battery and probably an isolator.
Linear Mode
