Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Banks Exhaust Brake Problems

[DavidHarvey]

So I order a new MBRP exhaust, Banks Brake (for 4 inch exhaust) and AFE Stage 2 intake from Diesel Xtreme Performance. I do lots of research and make some calls in order to make sure everything is compatible.



When I go to install the brake, I realize that the Banks Down pipe must be spliced with the 4inch MBRP using a coupler. Major pain in the ***** but I say no problem, I'm up for the challenge.



Two days before the job I call Banks tech(lack of) support and ask them if the brake will fit into onto the turbo if there is a AFE stage 2 installed. The guy on the other end of the line while sounding sleepy and not very attentive said "no problem - it should fit fine. "



So, I'm ready to do my Banks install, and my father in law suggested that we try a test fit of the Banks brake to the turbo housing to see how it would fit up with the AFE. I put it on, put in 2 bolts to hold it in place and notice that the large black piston that closes the brake during operation is sitting right smack in the middle of the intake box opening (where the molded plastic hose connects to the box). There was absolutely no way I could make any modifications to the box to get it and the brake to work well with each other.



Thank goodness we checked that before I started cutting up the MBRP!!!



I guess my only option now is to return the Banks and exchange it for a BD. Hopefully the folks a Diesel Xtreme will be cool about it since they sold me the incompatible configuration. I'll let you all know how it goes!



SO, if any of you are thinking about getting a Banks exhaust brake and an AFE, think again.



BTW - the AFE and MBRP sound great together!

 

[Sea01Cummer]

The Banks brakes kick out a t a certian mph or at least my dads does on his Ferd 6 speed , the BD brakes do not . The BD brakes on a 6 speed will stay on all the way to 0, it is a far better brake i think. My brake is alot more agressive than my dads banks but that could be due to the 6 cyl vs 8



food for thought



Stevo

 

[darkhorse]

I have had over two years of faultless service from my Banks Brake. The little electronic "brain" is set such that it will not activate below 30 mph & as Stevo notes, it does cut out at 15 mph. I don't find that a problem but there have been times I wish it would activate at say 25 mph. The braking force is quite substantial & I'm sure, very similar to the BD & Pac units. I suspect it has better flow characteristics than the competition but I doubt that is really very noticeable in normal street use. All thes is a moot point, however, if it won't fit your application. The large actuator piston does occupy a lot of space. you can see from my attachment what I had to do to mount my AFE stage 1 filter.

 

[CJ Lagos]

Banks offers a modified CBC controller that will not cut out at 25mph and remain engaged all the way down to a stop.

 

[darkhorse]

Mine turns back off at 15 mph, not 25. I'd go for the modified one if I'd had the choice at the time, but really, 15 isn't much of a problem. An exhaust brake isn't doing much at that slow a speed any way.

 

[DavidHarvey]

Thanks for the replies everyone.



Stevo, my father-in-law has a BD brake and has been trying to get me to switch to the BD ever since we found out about having to couple the Banks downpipe to the 4 inch exhaust. He loves his and it seems to be a relatively simple install by only having to replace the elbow behind the turbo.



Darkhorse, that is a very enlightening picture. You must be a very very patient person! : ) But yes, in order to get my Banks brake to work I would have had to do something similar. I really wanted the banks because of some of its nicer features, but oh well the BD looks good too.



I called Diesel Xtreme this morning and they are accepting the return - the BD will also be shipped this week. So, it looks like it is all going to work out!



Wayne

 

[darkhorse]

The Banks Break is a great unit but so is the BD. Diesel Xtreme is treating you as they should. I'm sure you will be happy with it. Oh, I am on the patient side. I have a couple of donkey so I've had a bit of practice. :-laf

 

[Allnew2Me]

I also have a Banks brake that was on my truck when I bought it. Overall I like it but do sometimes wish I could control it manually like the other brands. Without changing the Translock module, is it possible to install a manual switch that would override the Banks computer? I do like the warmup feature but if I could choose to manually activate it, it would be a nice improvement. At slower speeds it is not usually needed as much, true, but it also won't come on unless the truck reaches 35 MPH. there have been times when pulling out on a steep descent it would be nice to be able to have it come on without having to get up to speed first. There isn't always room for that.

 

[darkhorse]

It's interesting to see the variations in operation folks are reporting. My Banks Brake activates at any speed above 30 mph. If Banks customer (non) service weren't such a PIA to deal with I'd be tempted to see if I could get the new unit CJ Lagos mentioned.

 

[SnoKing]

I just bought the Banks intermediate pipe and it reached right to my Magnaflow Muff on my std cab. SNOKING

 

[Rebel Ram]

I have the Banks Brake on my 01. I got it when I bought my entire powerpac system. Since then I have sent back the ottomind cuz it was not a "good match" with my truck. Long story and many many calls to Banks. You have to be persistent and not loose your cool. But back to the brake... I really like mine. It is the best product Banks makes in my opinion. But I am curious about that controller mentioned by CJ.

My brake as advertised won't activate below 30 mph but will pull down to 15 before it releases. But the brake valve is still closed until I come to a complete stop or tap the throttle pedal, only the Torque Converter releases at that point. Does the updated CBC hold the TC lock to a lower point?

If so that would make it even better because I use it at all the time.

 

[SnoKing]

With my 4:10's and DTT smart controller my TC unlocks a bit before the brake goes off around 18MPH. The automatic warm up is a neat feature. I have the power for the smart controller and brake on an old style headlight switch on the floor. Works great for an auto transmission truck. I also have the Banks brake switch after the floor switch, so that I can have smart controller only, or smart controller and brake, but not just the brake. SNOKING

 

[CJ Lagos]

There are two speed issues. The stock CBC will not engage below 25mph, however if the brake engages at say 30mph... it will stay engaged down to 15 or so. The modified computer for manual trans will engage all the way down to 0. The only downside I've found is coasting to stop lights with the clutch out... you hear the hiss but don't get any braking.



I think you would be surprised at how effective the brake is at slower speeds, it works awesome.