47RE Transmission and Exhaust Brake?

[Photoman]

I am fairly new to this forum. I am also NOT a backyard mechanic but have learned a lot on these forums. My question relates to whether I can add a PAC Brake to my SO 03' with the 47RE transmission. My Dodge service manager practically has a heart attack when I broach the possiblility. On the other hand, I was talking to a PAC brake rep. at Camping World a month ago and he says NO PROBLEM, its done all of the time, as long as some type of module is added to manage the transmission. An 01' Dodge owner was involved in the conversation and says he has had a PAC Brake on his rig (with a 47RE) and he has no problems. Says the transmission temp. is no higher at the bottom of the hill as compared with the top of the hill. I am interested in hearing from anyone that has actually put a PAC brake on their 03' and whether there have been any isues. I completely understand that I could void my transmission warrant by installing the PAC brake, but hey, safety is a concern also... ... ! Actually, per the PAC Brake rep. according to the Magnuson ACT, the dealer has to actually show that that the modification actually contributed to the transmission failer. Don't know if this is true. Comments??

 

[Joe G.]

I don't know about the '03 and a PacBrake. However, you can forget about the Magnuson Act. Search the archives for posts by Merryman about this subject. He is da' judge around here. The gist of it is you can't really win. It would cost you so much money and time that if you managed to win the case and all the appeals you would be out more than the truck cost you.

 

[rweis]

Read the threads about the 47RE. As I understand them the 47RE will not take much e brake if any and survive. Probably depends on how YOU take care of the 47RE.



I had mine DTT'ed @ 20k. I took extreme care of it. NO O/D unless 1800 rpm regardless. NEVER towed unless O/D out.



Gist is I did not think it would stand up.



When DTT'ed it also did not need any parts "because you took such good care of it and low milage" so paid off there.



After DTT and Smart Controller, PERFECT! Really pleased.



The following is a disclaimer so NO transmission wars ---------------------



There are other transmission rebuilders that guys are just as pleased with as I am with mine. Everyone makes their own choice and you need to do the same.



Back to the regularly scheduled program -----------------------------



Try hard not to break it,

vs

this REALLY works well!



Bob Weis

 

[Steve M]

My '01. 5 47RE didn't keep the torque converter locked when I let off the throttle. My '03 does and it'll stay locked to about 25mph in O/D and down to less than 15mph in 3rd with O/D locked out. It doesn't lock in 2nd but I don't see that it would need to with the 4. 10 ratio. The big question is how much holding force is the torque converter clutch offering with the throttle at idle position. It would be nice if an exhaust brake were offered with moderate holding HP for the autos comperable to the ample holding HP of a gas engine running downhill closed throttle.