so I changed my battery...
 

and what a difference!! over the past week my old battery was struggling to start my van, and for an even longer time my lights were dimming when my bass hit. on friday i went to toys r us to buy a gift and i went to start the van and all i got was clicks. finally it started so i darted over to my shop to test the battery, and wouldn't you know when you try to crank it would fall like like 5 volts. luckily instead of buying a new one my dad had a relatively new extra battery, so on saturday i swapped it (i lost my 13mm socket and my dad had his wrenches in his truck so i had to use the two pairs of pliers i had...not fun)

anyways, i swapped it out and now my lights don't dim, and i swear it starts even faster...now i'm thinking i should sell my cap