I replaced the OE battery on my 2003 Durango --- the new battery (despite it being a little more powerful) is a little smaller, and the post config is slightly different.

In other words, the Battery Cover / Heat Shield does not fit.

a) How vital is it?
b) Should I get the box cutter out and do some trimming, or just leave the cover in the garage and go without?

 

I should clarify:

1) it is too tall now to effectively secure the smaller battery (it is shorter and not as long as OE).

2) the top posts are in a slightly different spot....

 

pictures please bc the only thing i can think of(right now at least, ill check mine in a little bit for ya) that goes over the battery is the bar that holds it down

 

Same with my battery. It's a plastic crossmember holding the battery down. I'd go with the box cutter and do some trimming cause the battery needs to be secure for it to work properly.

 

Either that or take it out and buy a $5 universal mounting bracket from your favorite auto parts supply house.

 

- I did buy the $5 AutoZone clamp and bolts --- my OE bolts were rusted and snapped, anyway.

- The OE clamp works fine, but its just the cover itself that is now too big. If I am to make it work, I'll be cutting it down for height and carving post-holes in new spots.

If you have not seen one (I'm guessing not all Durango's shipped with these covers?) it's just a thin plastic housing that is (almost) form-fit to the size of the battery. The OE clamp goes above it, and is removable from the cover.....

 

i did get to look at mine, and i have this cover too, if it doesnt fit over the battery dont worry, as long as you have the bar holding it in place you will be fine