Bought the BD exhuast brake today

[Great White]

Just ordered the BD exhuast brake today. Sounded like better retartation at lower RPM's. Cost more than the Pacbrake.

Anyone out there have one? How did the install go?

Rich

 

[Great White]

Oops, guess I should have read more threads before starting a new one!

 

[Bigsaint]

I have the 4" Bd brake and love it, use the brake everyday, great for warm ups and slow downs . I didn't install mine, it went in when the BD 4" exhaust went on, which is also great. I'm guessing here that you are getting the 3" exhaust brake (?), if so, I'm sure that you will be happy with your purchase as well.



Scott W.

 

[DHatfield]

I have the BD exhaust brake as well. I use it most the time driving unloaded and all the time while towing and warming up the engine in the winter. If you ever tow in the mountains you will really thank yourself for getting an exhaust brake as that is what I did since you can go down steep mountain grades and never tap the brakes.

 

[JSchooley]

I installed my own BD brake on two trucks. Not too bad for an amateur.



The brake is easy, just add a little tape to keep the clamp from taking a trip down the tail pipe.



Putting on the throttle switch will test your patience if not your Christianity. It's not technically difficult, but that top self locking nut with 101 threads is only accessible with an open end unless you get a special tool. I left it off my current truck and don't miss it that much.



Good luck, you'll really enjoy the brake.

 

[Rambling]

Had mine for just at two years this month. Only problem I've had was when I didn't cover the sinter filter on the vacuum valve when I washed the engine. Took it apart and lubed it. Works great again. Got only 30k miles on the wheels.

 

[ANCIENT WOOD]

JSchooley: If you are talking about the upper bolt on the switch mount bracket you can take the lower part of the dash off ( 5 screws) and get a straight shot at it with a long extension and a socket.

I just put a BD brake on my dads 97 and have had one on my 99 for about a year. They work great and the install was pretty easy. Setting the microswitch is not too bad if you set the screws almost snug then move the switch back and forth till it clicks on just barely. Make sure you tighten the band clamp before you tighten the pipe bolts to the brake or else it is hard to get to seal. The instructions don't help much on hooking up to the vaccum pump but on both of my rigs I cut the reducer off the rubber elbow off the pump and it fits fine.

Good luck and enjoy a great product

Dan Beck

 

[dewdo]

Speaking of exhaust brakes: I had the BD system installed a few days after I purchased the truck. I later went to Stan's Headers in Auburn, WA and had them install a 4" exhaust. Northing was mentioned about the exhaust brake which I assume was 3" since it was put on prior to the exhaust. Does this mean I now have a constriction in my 4" exhaust?



Dewdo in the other Washington

 

[ANCIENT WOOD]

The stock elbow coming off the turbo is 3" and so is the brake which replaces said elbow, so the only way to get rid of the restriction is to go to a large turbo and brake. The exhaust manifold and turbo are both smaller than 4" so I wouldn't worry about it unless you get crazy with power enhancements.