48RE + Exhaust Brake: Current Status

[FDrake]

I agree with many posters. I bought the 2004 Ram3500 with auto transmission believing it was compatable with a BE. I traded a 2002 Ram2500 6 speed stick with only 7800 miles on it for a one ton. The MPGs suck too. I guess I should have waited but it tows beautifully. Some good, some bad. Overall, I guess I am better off.

Frank

 

[Tinsmith3]

HI,

I have a 04' with the auto, I was told before I get the truck by the salesman that a EB was not a problem. Well not a problem until I make and Appt. to get it installed. I had a 01' Dodge that I got rid of because the EB wouldn't work on it.

If I had known, I would have got the 6 speed. So tell me, the build date of my truck is 02-04.

Do I have a 04. 5 or what, will I ever be able to use an EB? I pull a 25' travel trailer and a 6 horse trailer. I put new brakes on the trailers this weekend, but I would rather have a Pak Brake.

 

[Dean Upson]

Sounds like you havea "600" by the build date. Just look at the engine tag on the right side of the engine for the ratings.



Dean

 

[Tinsmith3]

Yes I do have a 600

 

[CAgnoli]

Overall, I think that DC should agree to replace the thrust washer so that an E-brake can be installed. It won't speak well for them if we have to pay for the transmission upgrade, and the exhaust brake.



I was also told by my dealer when I bought the truck that the 48RE was "just about to be certified" for use with a Jacob's Exhaust Brake. If that entails me investing close to a thousand dollars for the "certification", Dodge won't get a nother red cent from me. I didn't buy over $119,000 in chrysler vehicles in the last four years so that I could invest in stock upgrades on a "Heavy Duty" truck.



Just my two cents, I know my previous posts state that I drive the truck to work every day, I also am shopping for a fifth wheel camper to take advantage of the truck's towing capacity, so adding an exhaust brake is very appealing to me.



Carlton, I appreciate your willingness to work / update us on this issue, and please understand, this is not a vent towards you.



C

 

[FDrake]

CAgnoli,

I know how you feel. I have bought 24 new Chrysler products since my first Plymouth wagon in 1966. It would tend to tick me off if I had to pony up because THEY didn't get the transmission right.

Frank

 

[thejeepdude]

Hey Carlton -

Now that the '05s are starting to hit the dealers, and it's been a while since we've had any updates from you, I was wondering... any word yet on two things?



1. The EB certification for the auto '05's... I thought they would shoot for having this resolved by the new model year



2. The word on exactly why they stopped selling the Jake brakes?



The two items at first glance don't seem to be related, but perhaps it wasn't just a leaking gasket that pulled them off the shelf. . maybe a redesign somehow related to the autos being certified? What's the scoop on all this?



Thanks for keeping us in the loop!

 

[Carlton Bale]

The software is in pretty good shape and it will be evaluated during a trip next week heading out west. Once the calibration is goes through this final development during the first few days of the trip, it will be installed into all of the other automatic transmission vehicles on the trip. Assuming that there are no issues, there is a dediced test truck that will receive the calibration and start round-the-clock testing in about two weeks. We're about 4 weeks behind the schedule established last spring but all is progress well otherwise.

 

[p-Bar]

Test drive

Ya baby Oo. He didn't bring up the thrust bearing issue. Hopfully they won't grenade on them.

 

[DCTECH]

Have you heard why Mopar has issued a stop sale of all Jacobs exhaust brake for 2003-2005 trucks and why did they want all in dealer stock retuned asap?

 

[p-Bar]

I would assume some bone head salesman or service advisor would say it's ok to put it on an auto. Return em' all so nobody screws up.

 

[ACerf]

Frankly I don't care if they only approve the 05' trucks, what about the 03-04 models? I feel that DC sold everyone a bill of goods and now they are going to weasel out of having to correct the problem. I am damned if I am going to trade in my truck just so I can make them more money! I have been towing my fiver for a year without the EB. One thing I can say is that the brakes are great, better than Ford or GMC's. And the Brake-Guard does help alot.

 

[BRayls]

did dc tell you they were e-brake compatible? or was it a salesman?

 

[ACerf]

Actually it was... Dodge, the Salesman and Cummins!

 

[HenryH]

I just bought an Artic Fox 29V (2005). I am pulling it with '03 2500 48RE 4. 10 long bed. I would like to have e-brakes installed. What should I expect to spend? Do you have any added gauges installed? If so which ones.

HenryH

 

[LightmanE300]

I have an early '04 305/555, and 48RE. Are we going to basically be stranded Carlton? I want to install an exhaust brake eventually. Will this be possible, regardless of warranty? What will be required?

 

[HenryH]

I too have an Artic Fox 29V. I haven't towed it on any steep grades yet. Gross weight is 11,700 loaded. My question is since I have 48RE, 4. 10 can I shift into 1st or 2nd down a steep grade without causing any damage to the trans or engine? This is all new to me. Thanks for your response.

HenryH

 

[VietDoc]

Henry, 11,700# is a light weight!! I pull a fiver around 14,000 dry and about 15,000 loaded and I am considered lightweight by the heavy haulers on the TDR. I run around the mountains in Utah and had a great pull out of CA over Donner last year. In June I pulled her up a 10% grade to 8000 feet for the summer and will slowly coming down in Oct. Going up is the easy part... . coming down can be a different story!!!! I will be in 1st and very slow. Going up I could run between 15 and 25 depending on the hairpen curves and switchbacks. Didn't overheat as I have an EGT and transmission temp. Outside air was about 80F and transmission temp ran 220F to 230F. Of course I sat at the bottom of the 4 mile grade for an hour to drain the 100 gallons of fresh water and the waste tanks were already empty. Didn't need to pull an extra 800 lbs.



If the transmission or TC give up the ghost, Dodge will pay, because I am under the tow limit with the 4:10's and it is stock except for the AFE air intake and Amsoil in the engine. Of course If they go I hope the go after I am on level ground. Otherwise I will have to make love to the rock wall to stop...



later, vietdoc

 

[LightmanE300]

It's pretty disgusting that it appears Dodge, Cummins, et al. are going to leave us 03-early04 48RE owners totally screwed when it comes to the exhaust brake. Total garbage and I feel pretty betrayed.

 

[RankRam]

It's pretty disgusting that it appears Dodge, Cummins, et al. are going to leave us 03-early04 48RE owners totally screwed when it comes to the exhaust brake. Total garbage and I feel pretty betrayed.

Yep amen to that!