My dad just bought a nice 98 GMC sierra Z71 ,
I'm fluffing and buffing it / tuning it up for him and have a question .

It has dual batteries , they are mismatched brands from the previous owner , are both batteries needed ? We would like to just buy one new quality battery and ditch the second one , haven't really checked but asking you guys if we can with out any headaches or charging issues .

Kinda wierd how the second battery is hooked up , has a fusible link from one terminal to the under hood fuse panel ( battery that us on the driver side).

Thanks for the help, here's a quick pic , I gave it a quick buff job and threw a set of my 20s on for the Ol man , she ain't bad for 200k .

I enjoy reviving these old trucks , they are great looking , just needs an LSx

 

dual batteries were for the ambulances and the diesels

you more than likely have the HO alternator too . . .

 

I thought also it may have been part of a plow prep package of some sort ?

I do remember my good friend had a 93 sierra Z71 step side and it also had dual batteries .

 

I can't see how a second battery would be necessary on a gasser...

 

Ditch the second battery Tim.

 

hey tim ill come help you get rid of that second battery, and the rest of the truck for $3000 right now...lol Nice truck looks good, all obs stuff i ever seem to find on craigslist is junk..

 

i've got a truck for you if you like the obs.

 

if you're talking about that nice low mile long bed you posted i saw it but no thanks, id want what tim has pretty much, high mile rcsb 4wd but still decent shape..

 

Thanks guys ,

Yeah picked it up for 1500$ ! Needs brakes bled, no biggie , and the inside door handle fixed .

My buddy at the GM garage said I can remove the second battery and get rid of the isolator , so I'm glad for that .

I've had a DURAMAX for so long that had two batteries ( for cranking power) that I wasn't sure if I could EASILY get rid of the second one .

Dad and I scored a set of like new wheels and tires off of CL yesterday
So these will be going on
, also bleeding brakes tonight and putting a brand new bumper on the back ,

 

nope sold that one, this is a 2wd step side