What type size of battery and how to remove from a Ford Windstar?

Answer 1

BCI group 65 ( such as Motorcraft BXT - 65 - 650 - the BXT series is Fords
" top of the line " battery )
there is a rocker lock on the front bottom of the battery, loosen the long screw on the front side. this lowers the rocker lock. the battery is heavy. so be careful.
From page 254 of the 2000 Owners Manual:

Battery (standard): 3.0 engine - BXT-59 3.8 engine - BXT-65-650

Battery (optional) : 3.0 engine - BXT-65-750 3.8 engine - BXT-65-750

I always purchase the biggest, highest capacity battery that'll fit the car.

Consumer Reports continues to find the Walmart's "Everstart" brand and Autozone's Duralast as a couple of the best. High cold cranking amps (CCA), reserve and warranty.

Sears Die Hard Probably $80-100

According to the Owners Manual (page 257): "Battery (optional) BXT-65-750"

I'm recalling this is the battery group size 65, with 750 cold crank amps (CCA) rating.

My personal opinion is never skimp on the battery - get the best you can afford.

I also check Consumer Reports ratings - surprising what brands don't score well... And who does score well

Removing the BatteryLoosen battery bracket
On my 1998 Ford Windstar, there is a rod just in front of the battery. This will be connected to a bracket/clamp that's holding the bottom part of the battery in place. Use a socket wrench (try a 5/16" hex bit) and loosen this rod by turning counter-clockwise. This will loosen the bracket/clamp enough to allow lifting the battery out of place. This wasn't very obvious to me either, but now it makes sense. Hope this is helpful!
User 99Winst offers this description:

Just took mine out and here is how it goes, on the front side of the battery you will notice a long thin bolt that goes down to the bottom of the battery, this holds a plastic bracket in place. this bolt can be removed with a 10 mm socket (I believe that was the size) once you have unfastened the bolt the plastic bracket will come up and out of the van with the bolt ( a little catch washer on the bottom keeps these two parts together), if the bolt and bracket do not come out freely physically bump the battery around (gently) to free the plastic bracket. it may have stuck together. after this procedure it is a standard battery removal, remove the negative car connection first then remove the positive connection. with the battery connections out of the way the battery can be lifted up and out of the van..

Answer 2

Any place that sells batteries can sell you the correct size. Some will even install it for free.