2004 48RE Exhaust Brake Compatible

[s.hale]

My 2004. 5, 3500 dually with 48RE is close to build status! I called my dealer to check on the lastest for the compatibility with the Jacob's Exhaust Brake. They called DC and was told an announcement was coming out soon saying it would be compatible. My dealer hasn't been very reliable in the past so I called Dodge.

Dodge Customer Service referred me to Jackob Brake. Jake Brake Tech Support sent an E-Mail stating the brake will be available for the 2004 & 2004. 5 auto trannies. They said that software & transmission modifications would be available around the first of the year (any time now, DC hasn't set exact date). The truck will need a software calibration at the time of exhaust brake installation.

Cummins E-Mailed me and suggested I call DC. Cummin's understanding is the 48RE was designed to be e-brake capable; however testing has to be completed before warranty certification is given. They did not know the timing of tests results.



When I ordered the new truck I was ignorant of the fact that only the 6 speed manual was exhaust brake compatible. Hadn't yet joined the TDR.



Anyone else have recent information on the 48RE E-brake compatibility?



Thanks

 

[klenger]

If you go to the Mopar accessory website and look at the availablity of exhaust brakes, you will see one for the '03 and '04 trucks with 3" exhaust and another one for the 4 inch exhaust, which is only available with the 600. It states not for use with automatic transmission. What you heard from Jacobs is good news for 48RE owners if it's true.

 

[jelag]

Even though the exhaust brake is not approved for the 48re we have several DC dealers and customers that have purchased PacBrake's for their trucks...



We currently have the 04. 5(4" exhaust) on order with the factory and they are telling us they will be shipping product soon... . We have orders in house for some as I write this... .



So Pac Brake is building the exhaust brake for the 03 - 04's now(in stock) and will have the 04. 5's soon... good news is the same pricing structure for all the 3rd gen trucks...



If you have any specific questions please drop me a note... . or see your local pac brake distributor...



Hope I've been some help...



Jim

 

[s.hale]

Would you be willing to share with me, IYHO, the types of problems, if any, that the DC dealers and customers have had with the e-brake on the 48RE?



What advantages does the PAC Brake have over the Jacob E-brake besides not having to change the serpintine belt?

 

[JRG]

Jim,



I have the Pac, installed by Brake System Specialties, purchased through the dealer in my purchase price.



My question is if Pac expressed any concern with the "thrust washer" to you or if they feel it is a non issue? Also what about the torq converter unlock points?



Thanks,



JRG

 

[JRG]

s. hale,



My last post tells the problems "I" have.



I like having a little aircompresser to use for other uses.



JRG

 

[Carlton Bale]

s. hale:



Sorry you've gotten so many different answers from so many different sources regarding using an exhaust brake with a 48RE. Dodge/DaimlerChrysler is responsible for the transmission warranty but there has been no easy way for them to communicate the latest status.



You can read all about the warranty compatiblity details in this thread. To give you a summary, the brake is not warranty-approved for use with the 48RE. Cummins made an initial change to the software, then two issues were found with trans hardware, and currently another software change has been identified.



As jelag hinted, the engine and exhaust system are exactly the same for both automatic and manual transmission vehicles. An exhaust brake can be physically installed on either. However, DaimlerChrysler warranty does not approve using a brake with the 48RE transmission, so proceed at your own risk.



I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[s.hale]

Carlton:



Thanks for your very informative reply. Your reply was exactly what I had hoped to obtain from the other sources I contacted.



Since my truck will most likely be built in the next two weeks, I'm hoping the transmission change in Feb. that you mentioned will be incorporated into my truck. Any future software changes I guess would have to be done by Cummins or my dealer before E-brake installation.



I'm planing a 7 week trip to Alaska in June & July pulling a 36. 5 ft 5th wheel and sure would like to have that E-brake.



Thanks again



S. Hale