Had to change the battery yesterday in the wife's LS. This hot weather killed the old one. Now, I've replaced many batteries over the years and it always seems the most difficult part is getting the hold-down strap back in place and tight. The threaded down rods on both sides always pop out of the hole at the bottom just as you try to screw them to the top strap. Out comes the battery and start all over. Did this yesterday 4-5 times with 103° heat index. Lots of fun. The rear down rod is right against the firewall----almost no way to hold it in place while trying to connect the front down rod and top strap.

Would it not make sense for automobile manufacturers (yes, Lexus, too) to "permanently" attach the bottom of both front and rear down rods? Could move slightly back and forth and side to side; but, not up or down. They couldn't get lost and wouldn't be a pain in the butt to re-attach.

Rant over.

 

Are they the type with threads all the way down?
If so when the battery is out slip a large washer on each rod and a nut and they will stay where they belong.
A gob of silicone cement also will work. I too got tired of having them slip down and under the vehicle.