2003-2005 48re & Exhaust Brake...???

[DwayneKelch]

Gentlemen (Ladies too),



I need some help with this subject. After reading through numerous threads on the 48re (2003-2005) and compatibility with an exhaust brake, I'm confused as ever. The one thing I concluded is that it'll work on an 06 and is warranteed by DC. However, I wan't to buy a used truck. Here's the questions:



1. Is there an e-brake that will work with the 48re (2003-2004) and not void DC warranty? Are there transmission upgrades to be made to support the use of an e-brake?



2. Same as question 1, but for 2004. 5-2005.



I have a 2001. 5 6-speed now and love it for towing (rarely exceed 10K pounds, normally tow 7K pounds) . However, my knees aren't what they used to be and prolonged driving in town takes its toll on my knees. So, I would prefer the next truck to have an automatic. That said, if there's too many negatives associated with an e-brake installed on a 48re truck (2003-2005), then I'll just have to increase my daily dose of Celebrex and keep on rowing.



If I'm being overly concerned about towing the weight mentioned above with an automatic, minus the e-brake, let me know that too. Thanks.





Dwayne

 

[p-Bar]

If the Jacobs won't work (owned by Cummins) then nothing else sure won't. The other guys will say it is fine, but wailt till you granade the trans and see what DC says. I think the aftermarket manf. are riding on the coat tails of :

Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which states, in part, in Title 15, United States Code, Section 2302, subdivision (c), as follows:



“No warrantor of a consumer product may condition his written or implied warranty of such product on the consumer's using, in connection with such product, any article or service (other than article or service provided without charge under the terms of the warranty) which is identified by brand, trade, or corporate name; except that the prohibition of this subsection may be waived by the [Federal Trade] Commission if -



(1) the warrantor satisfies the Commission that the warranted product will function properly only if the article or service so identified is used in connection with the warranted product, and



(2) the Commission finds that such a waiver is in the public interest. The Commission shall identify in the Federal Register, and permit public comment on, all applications for waiver of the prohibition of this subsection, and shall publish in the Federal Register its disposition of any such application, including the reasons therefor. ”



Under this federal statute, a manufacturer, who issues a warranty on your motor vehicle, is prohibited from requiring you to use a particular brand of air filter, oil filter, or other service or maintenance item, unless such item is provided, free of charge, under your warranty or unless the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) waives this prohibition against the

 

[mberry]

Question 1: No



Question 2: No



There are many, many upgrades you can do to an automatic that will make it work reliably with an exhaust brake. Check the major advertisers in the TDR.



In my opinion, the later model year you go, the better the auto is for towing, but again, any year can be vastly improved over stock. It all depends on how deep your pockets are. I also believe that the 48RE is superior to the 47RE in stock form with stock power and that 7K lbs is not very heavy at all.



The only negative I can think of is the cost of modifying the auto to work with an exhaust brake.

 

[DwayneKelch]

mberry, p-bar,



Appreciate your responses. Wasn't sure I understood the threads correctly, however your answers indicate I did. Basically, I'm on my own (nothing approved, no warranty) if I choose to install an e-brake. And if I do, I better be prepared to beef up the transmission and add a controller to accommodate the e-brake.



Guess I'll take my chances with an automatic, without an e-brake, and wear numerous brake pads out until there's no longer a warranty. Besides, 7K pounds, like mentioned, really isn't much weight for these trucks.



Thanks for the replies.





Dwayne

 

[klenger]

Your conclusions about autos and ebrakes are correct.



I think you'd be better off spending the extra money on an 06 rather than buying used and spending 3K for a transmission upgrade.

 

[DwayneKelch]

Klenger,



Are the 2006 autos that much better than the previous year 48re's? It makes you wonder especially if Dodge/Cummins has approved the installation on 2006s and still honoring the warranty. Not sure with the weight I tow that I'd really need an e-brake, but having an option would be nice.



I may have to e-mail/call Tomeygun to get a price on a new 2006. Whew, now I'll have to dig deeper into my pockets for that... I'm already touching my socks!



Thanks for the sobering input. Honey (wife), I've got some wonderful news Oo. :{





Dwayne

 

[SnoKing]

Klenger,



Are the 2006 autos that much better than the previous year 48re's? It makes you wonder especially if Dodge/Cummins has approved the installation on 2006s and still honoring the warranty. Not sure with the weight I tow that I'd really need an e-brake, but having an option would be nice.



I may have to e-mail/call Tomeygun to get a price on a new 2006. Whew, now I'll have to dig deeper into my pockets for that... I'm already touching my socks!



Thanks for the sobering input. Honey (wife), I've got some wonderful news Oo. :{





Dwayne

I think it had a lot to do with PCM code to keep the TC locked up when using the exhaust brake. SNOKING

 

[p-Bar]

I think it had a lot to do with PCM code to keep the TC locked up when using the exhaust brake. SNOKING

More RAM inthe computer for all the extra software. Nothing differant with the mechanics of the transmission

 

[DwayneKelch]

SNOKING, p-Bar,



Thanks for the additional info. If no internal transmission components were upgraded (except for a thrust washer, I understand) from previous model years, it sure took D/C a long time to get the software/memory issue figured out.



Now all I have to do is get the courage up to spend several thousand $$$ more for a new truck so I can have an automatic that's designed, from the factory, and warranted, to operate with an e-brake.



I'm not sure laying out the extra money (compared to used 2003-2005) for an 06 just to have the option of legally installing an e-brake is worth it. Quick figuring shows, at minimum, I'd save $10K (includes accessories too) by buying a used (2003-2005) truck. Guess I'll have to check out all the options and crunch the numbers. Just wished my knees didn't ache like they do and my wife was 2-inches taller. Otherwise, I wouldn't be shopping for another truck... really like our 01. 5 with the 6-speed.





Dwayne