Battery Hold Down-To High for Battery

[Subzero]

I recently bought a new battery for the truck after my old died. Here's the one I got http://m.oreillyauto.com/mt/www.oreilly ... _v_thumb=1 . The new battery is about an inch and a half shorter than the old and battery hold down bolts are not long enough to tighten down the battery. I can't return the battery now so I need a way to secure the battery to the tray, and fairly quick. I would like to use the original tray but all I've found are kits with everything. Can I buy the bolts that hook into the tray but with more lower threads for the truck?
Thanks

[chriscris]

If you have a die, thread the existing bolts a little more, then cut off the excess?

[sargentrs]

Is it the kind with the hook on the bottom that sticks in holes in the tray? If so, cut 'em off and rebend the hook end. That or go buy some 1/4" all thread rod at Home Depot or Lowe's and make your own.

[Subzero]

Yes it is the hooked type. I was going to thread them down more but one of the bolts get thinner in the middle then widens back out for some reason so that wouldn't work. I think I can find a "universal" type bolt at the auto parts place from looking around more. I'm not sure how they would fit but its worth a try.

[thejunkman]

If you need a quick solution to hold it down until you do the correct fix, you can make a half inch shim to take up the gap. I I keep old innertubes and other kinds of rubber around for these instances. Get creative until you get time to use the good suggestions above.

[Subzero]

Would a piece of 2 by 4 work? I don't want to damage a $150 battery and not have a truck for awhile.

[jimmy828]

Tractor Supply sales j bolts for batteries. They might have one that will work. IF they don,t have one to fit, looks like a aluminum spacer right under the nut/washer will work. Also at TSC.

[thejunkman]

Jimmy828 is right on the money. If you put a spacer between the clamp and the nut it will come down and tighten. You could use a stack of washers, cut a piece of conduit, or anything you can come up with to get you on the road, until you find a legit solution. I wouldn't use a 2x4. It would be to thick. You aren't going to ruin your battery if you don't over tourque. If you stick a shim in, just snug it till it won't wiggle. A battery hold down, does just that... Holds it down. No need to go crazy. I've used rubber bunjees in a pinch.

[Subzero]

I found a battery hold down kit that has 2 bolts in it. They should work if the hook can fit into the tray and this is a permanent solution. I hope they fit or else I'll just buy some spacers.