2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Advantages to running an exhaust brake?

[CCiatteo]

Are there any if you run mostly empty? I do tow my race car on an open trailer 15 or so time a year? Wondering if the cost is justified. Any particular brand recommended or to avoid? I am still doing homework on how they even work, so be gentle. I know I'll need the upgraded valve springs on the exhaust, but beyond that I am guessing the kit would have everything?



Thanks

Chris

 

[DSeamans]

e-brake

No, you don't have to change valve springs. What they use on our trucks is what the truckers call a "potato brake". Basically it is a butterfly valve in the exhaust pipe that closes when needed to build compression. The only time I turn mine off is when there is snow or ice on the road. I love it. Going downhill I don't have to touch the brakes. My factory brakes lasted 100,000 miles! Half the pads were left when I did change them, they just rusted off the plates. I have the jacobs; the dealer put it on new. Others do hold more, but it works good for me. I don't think there are really any "bad" ones if you stick to a brand name.



Dave

 

[Bob4x4]

No, you don't have to change valve springs. What they use on our trucks is what the truckers call a "potato brake". Basically it is a butterfly valve in the exhaust pipe that closes when needed to build compression. The only time I turn mine off is when there is snow or ice on the road. I love it. Going downhill I don't have to touch the brakes. My factory brakes lasted 100,000 miles! Half the pads were left when I did change them, they just rusted off the plates. I have the jacobs; the dealer put it on new. Others do hold more, but it works good for me. I don't think there are really any "bad" ones if you stick to a brand name.



Dave

Nope! The 12 valves do need to change their exhaust valve springs. unless they opt to run a watered down version of the jacobs



Bob

 

[Bob V]

Nope! The 12 valves do need to change their exhaust valve springs. unless they opt to run a watered down version of the jacobs



Bob

Yep, need new springs, with out a doubt it is the best single mod you can do, empty or loaded. I prefer Pac-brake, but all are good

 

[WestTN]

I have 136,400 miles and the original brake pads are still thick.

 

[CCiatteo]

So after looking around on line at Pac Brake and BD, it appears that there is a micro-switch installed on the gas pedal which controls the e-brake. So what happens on my 5-speed when I am shifting? Between every shift the e-brake is triggered? Or do I run it off a button in a "manual" mode? Is there any negative effect on the motor? Excessive cylinder pressure or anything?

Sorry for all the questions.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

The Jacobs brake does have the advantage of plugging into the truck's system so it's a clean install without microswitches. The Jacobs retards well.

 

[PC12Driver]

I think that only applies to the 24v trucks with an ECM. His '97 would get a microswitch, regardless of the brand.



You could leave it on and let it cycle when you shift and not hurt anything (it'll just multiply wear on the brake's mechanicals). But with a switch on the gearshift stick its really easy just to flick it on when you need it and off when you don't.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I think that only applies to the 24v trucks with an ECM. His '97 would get a microswitch, regardless of the brand.

Mmmm, duh, I knew that

 

[wcjp]

I use mine when empty or towing. I also use the Ebrake in the winter to help warm up the engine.

 

[duckcarvr]

Is it worth it? just the sound alone is worth it. I get kind of excited just listening to it. my wife does not feel the same way though. lol I have a pac brake and like it very well. i run it all the time except with ice or snow. i have an automatic so i need the torque converter commander to lock up the torque converter. if I am on cruise it never comes very often on even down hill. off crusie when traffic slows down and you dont want the brake on you just keep your foot on the pedel very lightly and it does not activate the brake the brake does have a few seconds delay but i dont how that would effect a manual. i tow a 5er and have a heavy camper so i would never again be without one.

 

[Breed]

I love my Pac Brake, works great.....

 

[Ram4Sam]

Best mod ever. I have a BD brake and love it. Uses the vac pump for power, no compressor needed. I didn't use any computer hook ups or microswitches on the pedals, wired direct to a two speed switch on the shifter. On when I want and off when I want. I use it all the time, loaded or not. Another benefit is that brake pads last forever, 75,000 miles on mine, will make 100,000 easy. (Yes, I know, it's dirty, lazy owner!)



Sam

 

[Dave M]

Best mod ever. I have a BD brake and love it. Uses the vac pump for power, no compressor needed. I didn't use any computer hook ups or microswitches on the pedals, wired direct to a two speed switch on the shifter. On when I want and off when I want. I use it all the time, loaded or not. Another benefit is that brake pads last forever, 75,000 miles on mine, will make 100,000 easy. (Yes, I know, it's dirty, lazy owner!)



Sam

Nice switch. Did it come with the Pac brake?

 

[Ram4Sam]

Nice switch. Did it come with the Pac brake?

The pac what? It came from Piers back around the turn of the century, with the brake. It's an off the shelf two speed switch with a billet bracket that Piers used to sell. Don't know if he still has them, it's a nice piece.



Sam

 

[AStrand]

I had mine for over a year and really like it. I leave it on all the time. It has to be the best upgrade I have done to my truck thus far.

 

[Dave M]

The pac what? It came from Piers back around the turn of the century, with the brake. It's an off the shelf two speed switch with a billet bracket that Piers used to sell. Don't know if he still has them, it's a nice piece.



Sam

UHHHHHH..... sorry... I mean BD brake.

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

Nice switch. Did it come with the Pac brake?

pac brake sells a shift mounted switch for $35-$40. If you like the wanna be big rig look it's great. I'm not nuts about mine and kinda wish it was mounted elsewhere sometimes... . leads to me playing with it too much:-laf

 

[AABEN]

You no not need to change the valve springs with the Jake. I have never had any one tell me that they changed the springs when they put on a Pac exhaust brake The only time you need to change the springs if you go with a engine brake. There is a lot of places that it is against the law to use a engine brake. I have never seen one on a dodge Are any small truck.

 

[Bob4x4]

You no not need to change the valve springs with the Jake. I have never had any one tell me that they changed the springs when they put on a Pac exhaust brake The only time you need to change the springs if you go with a engine brake. There is a lot of places that it is against the law to use a engine brake. I have never seen one on a dodge Are any small truck.

:-laf ALL 12 valves must have hd exhaust valve springs installed unless you run a bleed hole in the butterfly



Read up man



Bob