Aftermarket Exhaust brake and factory warranty

[StevenJ]

Given Chrysler corporations propensity to find any excuse possible to void warranties, has anyone had problems with warranty claims when an aftermarket exhaust brake such as a Pacbrake has been installed? I am purchasing a travel trailer and would like to have an exhaust brake installed. I like the specs on the Pacbrake but am worried about the factory warranty. My truck is completely stock. Is the Dodge dealer installed brake worth the money or work well?

 

[JCleary]

The PRXB has more retarding power than the Jacobs. It also does not have a vacuum pump that is prone to failure. The only real difference between the two is the method of activation (pressure vs. vacuum) so I don't think there's an issue. They both interface with the ECM in the same manner.



When I asked the dealer if the Jacobs was covered by the powertrain warranty, I was told no. That sealed the deal for me. It cost me 1/2 the money to buy and install the PRXB myself vs. having the dealer install the Jacobs.

 

[Grizzly]

Given Chrysler corporations propensity to find any excuse possible to void warranties, has anyone had problems with warranty claims when an aftermarket exhaust brake such as a Pacbrake has been installed? I am purchasing a travel trailer and would like to have an exhaust brake installed. I like the specs on the Pacbrake but am worried about the factory warranty. My truck is completely stock. Is the Dodge dealer installed brake worth the money or work well?

I'd like to know the answer to this question also. I have spoke to Jim in Spoken about installing a PACBrake on my truck. Maybe he'll chime in.

 

[BHolm]

Grizzly, Your truck is an '05 and was never really officially approved for EB use. Steven has an '06 which is facotry approved for an EB. Really the only issue is the auto trucks and getting the TC to lock when appropriate. The brake isn't going to hurt the engine but it would wreak havoc with the trans if you used it without locking up the TC first. The '06 ECM has that programming, to my knowledge the '05 doesn't. '06s also are out of warranty at 36k anyway, excepting the engine which isn't an issue.



Personally, I think the EB is an important enough piece of safety equipment that I would get an aftermarket controller for the '05 and run it. Fight the turkeys later IF you have an issue, which is pretty unlikely if you ask me. You certainly wouldn't be the first to run an EB on an auto truck built before '06. I have yet to read of a blown transmission due to this.

 

[JCleary]

I have yet to read of a blown transmission due to this.

I agree, but IIRC there is a thrust washer in the newer 48RE's that is different that allows the EB. I can't remember exactly what it does, but I remember reading about it on a long thread that used to be a sticky...

 

[BHolm]

I agree, but IIRC there is a thrust washer in the newer 48RE's that is different that allows the EB. I can't remember exactly what it does, but I remember reading about it on a long thread that used to be a sticky...

It was in the TDR mag too. What I recall is that both '05 and '06 trucks have the mechanical upgrades but they never installed the computer software in the '05s. Still, I know there are lots of '03-'04 trucks running exhaust brakes and auto's. There are even 2nd gen guys doing it on 47re's.

 

[jelag]

You'll have no problem with Cummins. . if you order this engine in a mid range truck, say a Ford F650 you can specify the brand of exhaust brake you wish installed at the factory when the truck is built...

Remember that the provision for an exhaust brake is on the ECM and the owners manuals on my old 01 & 04 stated under the towing heading that and exhaust brake would improve breaking when towing...

You might run into some thick headed dealers, those who say your custom wheels and tires also voids the engine warranty...

We have installed and sold a lot of the brakes for auto's as well... using the proper kit to lock the torque converter... and have seen some of these trucks later with no ill effects...

My personal fleet, over the past 10 years has to be a 1. 5 million miles with no problems... we bringing on a new 5500 to replace a Dorf F550 that now has 500K and our 04 dually has 260K not counting the other trucks... .

We have an 800 # to answer your personal questions but the last time I posted it I got in trouble... but feel free to email me... .

 

[sag2]

2005 and earlier trucks were never approved for the brake, and you do risk serious damage to the transmission if you install one. That being said, there are many trucks out there that are running brakes. As long as you go in with your eyes open, realizing you do risk burning up the trans at your expense, it's up to you if you want to install one anyway.

 

[Grizzly]

Grizzly, Your truck is an '05 and was never really officially approved for EB use. Steven has an '06 which is facotry approved for an EB. Really the only issue is the auto trucks and getting the TC to lock when appropriate. The brake isn't going to hurt the engine but it would wreak havoc with the trans if you used it without locking up the TC first. The '06 ECM has that programming, to my knowledge the '05 doesn't. '06s also are out of warranty at 36k anyway, excepting the engine which isn't an issue.



Personally, I think the EB is an important enough piece of safety equipment that I would get an aftermarket controller for the '05 and run it. Fight the turkeys later IF you have an issue, which is pretty unlikely if you ask me. You certainly wouldn't be the first to run an EB on an auto truck built before '06. I have yet to read of a blown transmission due to this.

My 05 has an NV5600 6 speed.

 

[BHolm]

My 05 has an NV5600 6 speed.

Just noticed that from another thread we both posted in. What is the warranty concern then? Is your dealer a real PIA about changes on the truck? Because otherwise, a brake isn't going to hurt a thing and truely, they work so well with the manual, you need one. I've had the jake on both auto and manual '06s and it sure is nice in the mountains. I wouldn't be without one.

 

[BillDriscoll]

Does anyone make the computer flash for the 05 autos to make them like the 04's and 06's? They flash the computer for everything else!! I'd like an exhaust brake but I don't think I would do it with out a way to lock up the TC. I only have 30thousand miles left on my warranty anyway, so its time to start planning.
I wonder what the odds are of having the dealer install the dodge brake on my 05? Wierder thing have happened... ... ... ... .

 

[10-9jc]

Bill -
I asked this a while back, when I discovered that D/C finally came up with a flash (for the '05 trucks) to allow you to lock out O/D with the button on the shift lever.

Apparently this is available . . . however, replies indicated you
will lose T/H option.
So, it will make our '05s like an '04 - - but NOT like an '06, where you can do both.

So -at least for me- I prefer to have the T/H option, and continue to play the "button push" game to exit O/D.

Of course IF you want an EB on a 48RE '05, you will need to have
an O/D lockout - along with possibly a vanishing transmission warranty.

Thanks, D/C !!
~
JC