Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) No exhaust brake on auto diesels?

[ShawnC]

Just got my welcome kit and FAQs. Says exhaust brakes are not recommended on autos and refers to issues not in digital copy(24, 36 and 55 is there but no answers. I tow a 14,000lbs fifth-wheel, want better control in the mountains. I planned on an exhaust brake and they seem to be available for autos, what's the story? Other options?

 

[DAN V]

Vb and tc

In order for you to run an exhaust brake you should start out with a minimum of an upgrade of at least a VB and TC. That is what I had to do when I had my 2000 QC.

 

[HBarlow]

Shawn,

Browse the forums and read old posts. This question has been asked, answered, and discussed in long detail many times.

The basic answer to your question is your 47RE freewheels, coasts, when you lift your foot off the accelerator pedal.

If you add an exhaust brake without providing a method to lock your 47RE automatic's torque converter under deceleration when the exhaust brake is closed you'll simply churn the automatic transmission fluid, overheat the fluid, and destroy the transmission. The exhaust brake won't provide any braking.

It is possible to add a simple aftermarket lock up switch but for heavy use and long term reliablity a rebuild of your automatic with an upgraded valve body and torque converter would be best.

 

[Bill Stockard]

In order for you to run an exhaust brake you should start out with a minimum of an upgrade of at least a VB and TC. That is what I had to do when I had my 2000 QC.

Reading the OP's profile, he evidently has a Jasper rebuilt automatic transmission in his truck. I've heard of Jasper, but don't know anything about their rebuilds or know of any upgrades like a different valve body and/or a stronger than OEM torque converter.



Bill

 

[HBarlow]

Sorry, I forgot to read his signature.

Jasper is a big name performance engine builder in IN. Their auto transmission rebuilds may be performance oriented also.

Ask Jasper if you can add an eb or, perhaps you already know. Does your TC remain locked when you back off the go pedal?

 

[cerberusiam]

I've heard of Jasper, but don't know anything about their rebuilds or know of any upgrades like a different valve body and/or a stronger than OEM torque converter.

Japser builds even for gassers isn't that great, now way would I consider it a performance trans. Basically a slightly better than stock build but nothing spectacular.

Says exhaust brakes are not recommended on autos and refers to issues not in digital copy(24, 36 and 55 is there but no answers.

Not recommended on stock autos for sure, when you mod the trans correctly the problems points are moot.



All your EB's will have a controller that knocks the trans out OD which has an over running clutch that won't hold, and, holds the TC locked down to a decent speed.



In order to get the trans to hold you will need to upgrade in the normal places. A good TC that will hold both power and load, at least a shift kit to up the line pressures to hold the clutches, several little fixes in the trans to help it, and a BD Torq Loc to ramp the TV pressures on engagement.



Dodge owners have been running EB's on these trucks for well over a decade with good results, you just have t0 know what to address to make them work.

 

[Regcabguy]

I had a DTT enhanced auto on the '98. 5. In order to run an eb, a DTT Smart Controller was necessary. If you ended up with a Ca vehicle,you're staring at a CEL for eternity too. Electrical tape to the rescue. Lot's of dough,but the pitiful brakes on my '98. 5 demanded an eb.

 

[Bob4x4]

Jasper is not the quality they once were... ... ... ... . now it seems like they are just putting out quanitity

 

[ShawnC]

Thanks posters, I got my truck a year ago with the Banks and Jasper trans already. After buying the truck the original owner looked into gear splitters and Banks, went with Banks and 3 years later a Jasper trans with 5 pinion overdrive plantary, direct clutch thrust plate, no waffle plate, a 5 plate OD clutch and direct clutch upped to 8 plates all for more torque capacity. Trans still holding strong, truck just crossing 200,000 last week.

Harvey I don't believe the TC stays engaged when I let off the pedal, I feel the change when letting off. I haven't called Jasper, good idea.

Been seeing the smart controllers for the EB on the BD, DTT, and Banks sites. Will use given info to help pick EB. Still months away from EB purchase. The D-celerator from US Gear gives good reason for not mounting EB to turbo elbow (turbo exhaust gases spinning leaving turbo to be disrupted by EB valve). The solution-mount an exhaust brake under the truck where gasses have smoothed out.

Any EB owners out there? What do you run? Once again, thanks for all help.

 

[WestTN]

I believe the reason is the lack of adequate thrust washers load capacity allowing parts in the transmission to be damagerd.

 

[ed9824v]

I had a DTT enhanced auto on the '98. 5. In order to run an eb, a DTT Smart Controller was necessary. If you ended up with a Ca vehicle,you're staring at a CEL for eternity too. Electrical tape to the rescue. Lot's of dough,but the pitiful brakes on my '98. 5 demanded an eb.

My exact issue with my 98. 5 DTT trans I get CEL some time then most of the time no clear cut ratio. Trans relay cell etc. but what a transmission. ED got a wrecked truck with the DTT that we will be putting in my boys truck .

 

[JTruelove]

My exact issue with my 98. 5 DTT trans I get CEL some time then most of the time no clear cut ratio. Trans relay cell etc. but what a transmission. ED got a wrecked truck with the DTT that we will be putting in my boys truck .

Other than a few mods we basically have the same truck. What exhaust brake did you put on and how satisfied are you with it?



Thanks,



Joey

 

[ed9824v]

Other than a few mods we basically have the same truck. What exhaust brake did you put on and how satisfied are you with it?

Thanks,

Joey

I have a pack brake, I also added the steering box support with the bearing, I have an adjustable heim link front sway bar, I have the stock air box and stock intake, I did put on a Frantz bypass oil filter, Hummer tire and wheels, air bags for the rear for towing, Thats about it. Been a good truck. and I also have the Doug Thuren track bar. ED

 

[John - K5AWO]

My torque converter works great. No exhaust brake, I just lock out OD, downshift to 2nd and let the engine hold it back. No slipping on mine. I bought the tightest TQ they had, it will shift up to 3rd gear at idle without touching the throttle.