04.5 Banks Brake

[Bochuck]

I'm considering purchasing a Banks Brake for my 04. 5. My only concern is I remember somewhere in the past (sorry I'm getting old and my memory isn't as fresh as it used to be) that the 04. 5 trucks are not compatible with exhaust brakes due to possibly causing a problem with the int/exh valves in the heads or something else. I also heard this was resolved on the 05 model year engine, but no easy upgrades for the 04. 5. For a few years, I found nothing available. Then in the current TDR issue I saw Banks Brake for the 04. 5 - 07. Does anyone have any knowledge on this subject or whether it's safe to use on my truck? I couldn't find any specific references to this on Banks' website. I definitely don't want to mess anything up the engine, but I have desperately wanted an exhaust brake since I bought it. Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks!



Bob

 

[Bochuck]

Sorry, I forgot to mention I have an automatic transmission.



Bob

 

[mberry]

The concern is only with the transmission. You will need some kind of lockup switch for the torque converter since there is no software for lockup on deceleration built into the PCM. If you run an exhaust brake without the converter locked, you will be purchasing a new one in short order and could severely damage other parts of your transmission along the way.

 

[jtwcummins]

You can get the Banks controller for the E Brake. It controls trans and also uses brake for warm ups. I had this setup on my 97 for years and never had a problem. The controller taps in to the coolant temp, APPS and OD switch at the PCM. I never turned it off and the 47re auto didn't give me any problem.

 

[Bochuck]

I finally had a guy from Banks call me back. He said the new brake for the 04. 5 has a transmission control computer added to the main control box now to remedy the problem that the 04. 5's had. Therefore it is a stand alone unit with its own serpentine vacuum pump and everything you need to install it. It does not use the factory computer to independently control the brake like the other models do. He said the only engine this particular model won't fit is one with a throttle position sensor. He said they are working on a version for it now, but it won't be released for a while. Now I have to figure out if my engine has a TPS on it or not and of course it's pouring outside. Anybody know an easy way to find out w/o popping the hood? :-laf Also, has anyone purchased or used this brake yet? I'd like to hear some testimonials on it before I plop down the $1500 for it.



Thanks!



Bob

 

[p-Bar]

The main issue with the 04. 5 is that their is no thrust bearing in these for the reverse torque. I would check into the Pac brake they have the best braking and they have the box to lock up the torque converter.

 

[Bochuck]

Hey p-Bar, where is the thrust bearing located and can it be added or modified to accept one? What would the ramifications be if a brake was added to my truck without this?



Thanks!



Bob

 

[p-Bar]

It is possible these are on our 4. 5's but no one will fess up to it. I think it is located in the tail shaft area. I would ask a trans rebuild guy . I think if you didn't have this washer you would end up with a lot of shavings in your trans pan and damage to the trans. Please look at the alternative unit I recommended they have the best braking power out of all of them. You will need a "box" to lock up the converter when the brake is on as you know.

 

[Bochuck]

I wish I knew a transmission guy. I'll try calling around in the next few days to dig into this a little more. There has to be someone informed on this with a good reputation. I'll let you know what I find out.