04.5 exhaust brake???

[mfrost]

I have been out of this forum for a couple years and don't know what has happened with this issue. I have a 2010 2955rl Montana and would like to install an exhaust brake on my rig becuase it is about twice the weight as my old Alpenlite. If I recall right, when I bought the truck, Chrysler said that you could put an exhaust brake on it then they said you couldn't because of some software problem #@$%!and then there was the thrust washer concern on the 48re. Has there been any change with this?

 

[AH64ID]

You won't be able to run a EB off the ECM for an auto in 04. 5, they weren't OEM approved until 06.

But Banks has a setup that will ramp the pressure up and allow the use of the EB, and gets good results. The thrust washer is what Chrysler updated, as well as the programing for the 06 trans.

Banks Power | 03-07 Dodge - 5. 9L Cummins>>Banks Brake® '04. 5-07

I highly recommend the brake, I wouldn't want to tow without one.

 

[mfrost]

According to Banks I won't be able to use the Smart lock part of the brake since I have the 325 hp engine. It says the Smart Lock makes a big difference with the brake .



Banks says that you can't use the Smart Lock if:



The PCM is not located on

the passenger side firewall

behind the battery. The Banks

SmartLock is only designed

to work with PCMs that are

located on the passenger side

firewall behind the battery.

2) The engine is a high-output

(325-hp rated) engines.



Has anyone used the Banks Brake on a 04. 5 325HP and how did it work without the Smart Lock?

 

[HBarlow]

I don't know a thing about Banks products so will not comment on them.

The issue that prevents you from installing and using an exhaust brake of any brand is the 48RE automatic transmission is not designed to lock the torque converter under deceleration. If the torque converter is not locked when an exhaust brake is activated it will not provide braking through an open torque converter but only churn and overheat the transmission fluid and destroy the transmission.

The transmission can be rebuilt and modified by a skilled transmission builder who specializes in 48RE automatics to handle the deceleration forces. A knowledgeable builder can also discuss providing external lock up capabilty.

I'm not familiar with the application but have read and heard of owners who have used simple aftermarket lock up switches that will lock the TC on driver command.

 

[mfrost]

Thanks AH64ID and HBarlow for the information. I have about 59K on it so I will continue taking it slow and cautious down long steep grades or try to avoid them altogether. White knuckle experiences, I don't need. Should have got a manual transmission:-{}

 

[tkerrigan]

There is also a thrust bearing in the transmission that needs upgraded.

 

[AH64ID]

I was able to use my exhaust brake this weekend like I never had before, and can say that it should be required for anyone who tows with a diesel.



Coming home from camping, about 14K GCWR there was a hill that is long steep and very windy, 15-20 on most the corners, which some are hairpin.



The drop is only 2K feet in ~4 miles, but its steep in all the corners. I put the truck in 3rd at the top with the EB on and touched the service brakes once. I would go back from 3rd to 4th and never had a speed issue. Without the exhaust brake I would have been on the service brakes the entire time, and they would have gotten hot like they did for my buddies in their gassers.



They are worth every penny. I am confident I could have been at 2x my GCW and only had to use the service brakes minimally.

Has anyone used the Banks Brake on a 04. 5 325HP and how did it work without the Smart Lock?

My buddies dad has an 04. 5 auto with a Banks Brake on it.



I am not sure your looking at the right part. Its very clear on the website that you can use the brake on the 04. 5; part number 55225.

 

[mfrost]

My buddies dad has an 04. 5 auto with a Banks Brake on it.



I am not sure your looking at the right part. Its very clear on the website that you can use the brake on the 04. 5; part number 55225.

Did he do any changes to the 48re?

 

[CUMMINZ]

I went thru this issue when I had my 04. 5... When I got the 06 the dealer installed a brake on it and it worked well. When I got the 07. 5 with the built in brake I went totally amazed as to how well it worked. The best info for you will come by called after market 48re rebuilders. The will tell you for sure how much you have to spend to get it to work. Good luck:-laf

 

[AH64ID]

Did he do any changes to the 48re?

He bought it used with it on, so not sure.

 

[mfrost]

According to Banks I won't be able to use the Smart lock part of the brake since I have the 325 hp engine. It says the Smart Lock makes a big difference with the brake .



Banks says that you can't use the Smart Lock if:



The PCM is not located on

the passenger side firewall

behind the battery. The Banks

SmartLock is only designed

to work with PCMs that are

located on the passenger side

firewall behind the battery.

2) The engine is a high-output

(325-hp rated) engines.



Has anyone used the Banks Brake on a 04. 5 325HP and how did it work without the Smart Lock?

Well, I made a mistake and want to apologize to Banks Power for me misinterpreting their information. I was looking at the Smart Lock information for a 03-04. Of course that part # smart lock would not work on a 04. 5. After talking to them on the phone a couple of times I understand the Banks Brake kit for the 04. 5 - 07. Their performance testing shows it out performs all others. There was also an article in a past TDR magazine about testing results. My question to them was, since the trans pressure is adjusted to 133 PSI when the brake is actuated, will the stock 48RE take that pressure with damaging it. They said that they haven't had any concerns of transmission damage from customers. Their competitors brakes only adjust pressures to 85psi according to BP data.

Does anyone know what the normal operating pressure is for a stock 48RE?

 

[HBarlow]

As I said before, I don't know anything about Banks products so have no criticism of the company or their products. I would, however, advise caution in accepting all the claims in their advertising copy as factual.

I have heard of them refusing to help when their products or the owner's truck turned bad using their products.

 

[p-Bar]

I would be more concerned with the thrust washer issue . Probably need to go through the trans anyways so build it right increase the pressure and your on your way. Ya watch claims made by salesmen and ask yourself where is the customer service after the purchase. Good luck

 

[mfrost]

I would be more concerned with the thrust washer issue . Probably need to go through the trans anyways so build it right increase the pressure and your on your way. Ya watch claims made by salesmen and ask yourself where is the customer service after the purchase. Good luck

The transmission has 60K on it and works llike new. I am going to start calling builders to see what they recommend what I need to tow 11k and run an EB, with 325 hp to 400 hp. From what I have gathered that thrust has to be replaced, upgrade TC and VB. Should be cheaper than buying a new truck