48RE + Exhaust Brake: Current Status

[BRayls]

thats what he says now. ok guys I talked with our old dyno guy here at KTP(auto trans plant). notice I said old dyno guy,they cut a head in that area and the one to go was the dyno operator, we no longer do that here. the test was run in detroit, and we have not seen the inside of the transmission here. but I have some good news but not the details yet. good news is I was told they changed the washer to the new style some time ago, so they will be ready for the brake ,WHEN THE SOFTWARE IS DONE AND OK'ED. seems that all they were waiting on was the software,which should get the ok. now I do not have the date for the thrust washer change ,however I do have an e-mail out to the engineer who should know the date. when I find out the date I will pass on the info. Barry

 

[dandlwiley]

We have posted previously about our 2003 3500 with 48RE and dealer installed Jake. Dealer gave us a dealer warranty on transmission when they discovered it was NOT approved as they had been told. We don't us it much--too much of a hassle and really don't need it. Loved the PacBrake on our '97 2500 CTD with stick transmission.

 

[DF5152]

We have posted previously about our 2003 3500 with 48RE and dealer installed Jake. Dealer gave us a dealer warranty on transmission when they discovered it was NOT approved as they had been told. We don't us it much--too much of a hassle and really don't need it. Loved the PacBrake on our '97 2500 CTD with stick transmission.

Why is it a hassle and what is it you dont need?

 

[dandlwiley]

The 48RE won't stay in lockup when the RPM's get too low--like descending a steep twisting back country road. You have to watch the tach and be ready to shut off the Jake when it comes out of lockup. That's hassle to me--we used the PacBrake even when not towing on the '97. Haven't had any problems slowing down the rig (GCWR over 17,ooo#) with downshifting and those great big brakes.

 

[thejeepdude]

The 48RE won't stay in lockup when the RPM's get too low--like descending a steep twisting back country road.

For '05 owners at least, this should be addressed in the next flash once EB approval has been made. For other years, there are boxes on the market that will keep the TC locked up. You can also use a "mystery switch" although you have to be smart about how you use it. If you get an exhaust brake without some sort of manual lockup device, that would be kind of pointless, and I'm not surprised it doesn't work to your satisfaction.

 

[dandlwiley]

We haven't decided if we are going to do an aftermarket fix or not--maybe in a few more miles. Haven't towed much--and with the price of diesel not doing anything extensive this summer--like the planned trip to Alaska! Dealer refunded the $1200 we paid for the Jake and left it on with the provision if it was approved we would pay them. Since that isn't going to happen on a 2003 we just left it on! DC led them to believe it would be approved.

 

[asptsman]

thats what he says now. ok guys I talked with our old dyno guy here at KTP(auto trans plant). notice I said old dyno guy,they cut a head in that area and the one to go was the dyno operator, we no longer do that here. the test was run in detroit, and we have not seen the inside of the transmission here. but I have some good news but not the details yet. good news is I was told they changed the washer to the new style some time ago, so they will be ready for the brake ,WHEN THE SOFTWARE IS DONE AND OK'ED. seems that all they were waiting on was the software,which should get the ok. now I do not have the date for the thrust washer change ,however I do have an e-mail out to the engineer who should know the date. when I find out the date I will pass on the info. Barry

When will you have the date on the thrust washer change? I have a 2004. 5 built in Jan. 04 with the jake brake installed. 21K and it is working great with no problems. Towing 11K.

 

[BRayls]

I have been on vacation. I am surprised to NOT see the response in my mail today. I will try and get up there in person sometime this week.

 

[carson6]

after market ready....

who can do an after market eb install in so. cal.

 

[p-Bar]

Hey Carlton you have been kind of quite out there are you wine and dining those DC boys?? How about an update

 

[Carlton Bale]

I should be able to give some info late next week.

 

[ACerf]

E-Brake

I have been following this E-Brake discussion since the begining. I find it interesting, and I commented on this before, that DC can not solve this problem. They surely have the resources to correct the situation! They make heavy duty trucks that have E-Brakes and Auto trans that can handle them, so why the delay in correcting this problem with the 48RE? When I bought my 03 it was with the understanding that approval of the E-Brake was just around the corner, two years later and they are still messing with this problem. It is my personel opinion that DC doesn't really want to correct this problem, either because they have another trans in the works and don't want to spend the money on the 48RE. Or they are just worried about the warranty issue, and it is easier to just avoid the problem and lead the customers on thinking they will fix it!

 

[JBlock]

Wouldn't it be GREAT if DC would have someone monitor this site and PROVIDE answers to legitimate questions, I have been waiting for DC to respond to messages I left on the phone and email at this point I doubt I will get a reply. Will I still buy a $40,000 truck from a company that appears will not answer a question to a customer? I might unless I find a company with a bit better service. I too thank Carlton for his efforts to keep us up to speed.

Did not, DC advertise exhaust available for all truck in there literature. is there a class action suit somewhere in there to force the issue or at least get everyone with RE48 a cash refund for miss presentation.



I not a lawyer type "sue the other guy," but once in while "there could be a good cause to kick them in the back side. " 2 years someone not trying when all these after market transmission vendors and smart controler seem to work OK. . It a money issue!



Again, It appears that DC trying to avoid the cost of the smart controller so the automatic can use the same exhaust brake package as the manual, rather set up an automatic package that will cost $400 more.

 

[Eric_77]

JBlock if you will read the whole thing thread you will find there are numerous issues that Carlton has mentioned, he is the short list as I remember it



1. The exhaust brake must wait until torque convertor lock has occured not just a signal saying "I would like the TC locked up now please" like the smart controllers do to avoid overheating of transmission.

2. the reverse thrust (energy coming from rearwheels towards engine) causined unexpected wear on some thrust washers and needed upgarding.

3. the transmssion must stay in low gear and not try to upshift Ie driver not have to manually pull shifter into each lower gear



4. make this operation idiot proof. I am sure this part is taking the longest and will never be fully achieved because everyday a bigger idiot is born.

 

[ACerf]

I read that Jim Galaioto of Advanced Transmission Operations (ATO), Rancho Cordova, CA. stated in Drive Lines Magazine that he has replaced the thrust washers with thrust bearings. He has done this with his 04 3500 which has resulted in no problems. He does this whether using an E-brake or not. If this guy can come up with simply solution, why can't DC? I am sure there may be an issue with the lockup torque converter, but this seems to be a positive step in the right direction... more so than DC has done from what I can see.

 

[BRayls]

Did not, DC advertise exhaust available for all truck in there literature. is there a class action suit somewhere in there to force the issue or at least get everyone with RE48 a cash refund for miss presentation.



I not a lawyer type "sue the other guy," but once in while "there could be a good cause to kick them in the back side. " 2 years someone not trying when all these after market transmission vendors and smart controler seem to work OK. . It a money issue!



Again, It appears that DC trying to avoid the cost of the smart controller so the automatic can use the same exhaust brake package as the manual, rather set up an automatic package that will cost $400 more.

I do not know where you read that they would have it, most say dealers told them. we all know dealers lie period, many years of proof of that. but I do know snowmobile manufacturers have in their spring litature, that specifications can change before production, and you will have no recourse. I would bet if dc did in fact print what your saying their lawyers had the same to cover them. I will say this it took over 3 years for them to do the v-b changes that the 48re has. I had mine in late 98 and you seen them in 03. changes to production units is not easy to impliment, or should I say sell on the uppers ( mngmnt).

 

[klenger]

Can anyone actually quote a commitment in writing from DC that the exhaust brake would work with the 48RE? I have seen and heard a lot of "hear say", but do not remember ever seeing anything in print. All that I have ever seen on the DC website is that the exhaust brake is for use with manual transmission only. See http://www.klenger.net/dodge/pictures/accessory-mopar-e-brake.gif for the exact wording.



Don't misunderstand me, I feel for you guys that were lead to believe that the 48RE would be compatable with the exhaust brake, but if you don't have anything in writing, a class action law suite probably would not go anywhere.

 

[Rosco]

Carlton, do you have any of that news you mentioned last week?

 

[Carlton Bale]

I finally have some good news to announce; those that attended the rally last week heard it first. The Jacobs Exhaust Brake has been warranty-approved by Dodge for use on 2006 automatic transmission trucks. All of the brake and transmission controls are integrated into the Engine Control Module and no external lockup-box is needed. Manual transmissions, of course, are approved as well.



Obviously, this brings up the question "what about older vehicles". We're still hoping to be able to release a software update for MY2005. Unfortunately, every last resource is devoted to upcoming production changes and the MY2005 request is pretty far back in the queue. I don't know how long it will be, but probably not this year. I tired my best to get a higher priority but was unsuccessful.



For MY04 and MY04. 5, a compatibility issue was identified. These vehicles have a different revision of the Engine Control Module with less memory and the new software simply can't fit. Warranty approval is not possible with these vehicles anyway because of the thrust washer (discussed previously in this thread). The software may have offered some additional protection for those forgoing warranty approval and installing a brake anyway, but it is not feasible given the memory limitations.

 

[Matt400]

Carlton- thanks for all you have done and keeping us informed. While I fully understand 03-04. 5 models are a no-go I would like to confirm without re-reading this thread the only "hardware" change on the 06 is that thrust washer correct?



For those of us coming out of warranty anyway and assume responsibility by using other means to control lock up would like to know what hardware changes were made so at rebuild time we can make those updates.