Windshield Washer Reservoir and 2nd Battery Tray

One of the things I did early on in the FJ build was upgrade the battery. In my opinion, the Optima (yellow top) battery was the best solution for my needs. As the build evolved, and I added more power consuming modifications (LED lights, winch, electronics, etc.) I realized a second battery was in my near future. Luckily, there is enough space in the engine bay to accommodate a second or third battery.
After much time spent on the Internet perusing forums and articles, I decided that the Shrock Works second battery kit was the route I wanted to take.

Their second battery kit uses the space at the front passenger side corner of the engine bay. The same space is used by the stock windshield washer reservoir and power steering reservoir. 

Since I am running the Metal Tech tube bumper, part of the factory windshield washer fluid reservoir is exposed. I did not like how vulnerable it was or the fact that the bottom part of the reservoir was visually noticeable.   
I knew at some point I would replace it with an aftermarket kit. I wanted something that looked cleaner, performed better and did not use the stock mounting location. ​I decided to go with Shrock Works. I chose their kit for the following reasons: 
  • Mounting location
  • Quality of the reservoir
  • Ease of installation
  • Functionality 
  • The fact that the reservoir and the battery tray are designed to be installed simultaneously.

​Upon receiving both kits, I could tell that they were well built. The directions were very simple to understand and easy to follow. The amount of creativity, thought and engineering put into these kits makes installation for the user much easier. 

​The washer fluid reservoir and second battery tray both mount on the passenger side, in between the air intake box. 
They use already existing mounting points, which eliminates the need to drill or cut (some installation may vary based on model year). ​
I decided to move the air intake box out of the way to make installation of the reservoir and tray easier. From there, I started with the reservoir. 

I removed the stock reservoir and pulled off the washer fluid pumps and lines, which are recycled for use with the new unit.

​I mounted the reservoir base and tank in place. After installing the pumps, I did a test of the system before  
bolting everything down. Once I finished the test and ensured everything was working properly, I secured the base and reservoir.    ​

It should be noted; I am running a sPOD and one of my concerns was not having enough space for the reservoir. It is tight and they make contact from time to time, but there is enough room for both of them. Due to how tight the fit is, I did not secure the side of the reservoir to the passenger side fender wall. I wanted allow for a little movement if needed.  

​Also, use caution when removing the washer fluid pumps and pay attention to their direction/orientation. It does matter when going into the new reservoir. If you rush their removal or installation, you might damage the pumps. 

​After drinking a cold beer, I installed the second battery tray. 

​The tray comes with a power steering fluid housing bracket attached to the tray. I removed the factory bracket and attached the steering fluid reservoir to the new bracket. 

Depending on model year, the tray and brackets may be different and require some slight modification.  
Once the tray was mounted, I wired the second battery in parallel with the primary battery. I ran the positive cable (red) from the primary battery, across the front (under the radiator top cover) and to the second battery. The negative (black) cable runs from the engine block to the second battery.
I'm very happy with both of these kits. Very well made, easy to install and the directions were very simple to follow and easy to understand. It took me approximately 4 hours to install both kits. It could have taken me less time, but I took several extended beer breaks and got distracted a few times by shiny things. 
-To learn more about or purchase these kits, please click on the link below-