Engine Brake

[Rescue Ram]

Morning everyone,

I am looking for recomendations on an exhaust or engine brake. I am really quite partial to Jacobs, as I have used them for many years on fire trucks. As far as I can tell, the E-brake that cummins sells is nothng more than a post turbo exhaust brake, like the U. S. Gear unit I have on my motorhome. How does it compare to a conventional engine brake? Any input or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Capt'n

 

[gitchesum]

Unfortunately, Cummins doesn't make an engine brake for the 5. 9 so all you can get is an exhaust brake.



I installed one of another memebers truck a few weeks ago and it was the easiest install I've ever done. Everything fit just lie was supposed to. None of those pesky issues that seem to come up when you dod something for the first time. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.





I'm gonna kick this over to the Products Forum for a little more exposure.



BTW, Welcome to the TDR. Dang glad to have ya.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Cummins doesn't make an engine brake for the 6BT, but a certain TDR member happend to come across one a while back while he was at work.



The issue with the engine brake is that we don't have much room between the cowl and the valve covers to begin with... . adding anything in this area would be really tough. Since the engine brake would have to go under the valve cover(s)... . this would be mighty tough to do on a 2nd Gen or 3rd Gen Ram.



Besides the logistics of it... . the regular old exhaust brakes do a darn good job of slowing down your vehicle and whatever is behind it. I'd hate to see what a real engine brake would do!



I would cut my cowl for an engine brake..... if only the brake would make it to market past the R&D stages.



Matt

 

[GAmes]

F-R R,



I see you have 12 and a 24 valve trucks. Someone from the overvalved group can tell you about their Jacobs and I'll tell you the 12 valve model is the best aftermarket investment I have made. I currently have over 125,000 miles on the truck since install and have only had one failure, the throttle micro-switch which was replaced under warranty. Last year I descended the Grapevine in Ca with a 13,000 lb 5er in tow. Shifted down to 4th and never had to touch the brake pedal all the way down. In fact, a couple times I had to give it a little throttle (which turns off the brake) because I was going too slow. The kit is an easy install and looks factory.

 

[Rescue Ram]

Sorry about posting in the wrong section. I debated on where to put this thread... And thanks for the welcome. I am glad to finally be here.



It sounds like the E-brake is a good option. I thought I had seen an engine brake for a 5. 9, but I am not sure where... Anyhow, Cummins Rocky mountain is asking $1,250 for a complete install with warranty on parts and labour. Does that sound like a fair price?



BTW, my name is Brian... I noticed there is another Brian that posts regularly, so I use my nick name... Hope no one else has this one. I am most honored to meet all of you.



Thanks for all the input.

Capt'n

 

[klenger]

Buy it here and install it yourself.



http://www.klenger.net/dodge/mechanicsville-dodge.html

 

[willyslover]

Capt'n. .

If your buying it for yourself or the Fire Dept. , there are other good choices out there for far less $$

Pac Brake [3 incher], BD Engine Brake [both 3 and 4 inchers], US Gear [remote 4" and not sure if they have a 3"]



I have had Pac Brake 3" and now have a BD 4" Remote... both have worked very well and have ZERO issues with either . . both Brakes have about 70k. use [on different rigs . . 3" on a 98. 5 and 4" on a '01. 5. . both manual transmission rigs. ]

 

[RustyJC]

I had the Jacobs exhaust brake installed on our 24 valve prior to taking delivery of the truck - negotiated it as part of the deal when we ordered the truck. It has worked flawlessly in towing our 36' 5th wheel that puts us at 21,180 GCW (21,500 GCWR). It's not a difficult installation - Jacobs' instructions are excellent. One "soft" benefit is that the Jacobs brake is engineered and tested by Cummins to ensure compatability. In fact, you'll notice that one of the Cummins e-brake engineers is a TDR member and posts here fairly regularly.



A benefit for us is that, since the Jacobs e-brake was installed by the dealer before we took delivery and is a Mopar accessory, it is covered by the bumper-to-bumper truck warranty.



Rusty

 

[Okie-Go]

I am the member that Gitchesum and Granpappy installed the brake. Works real good. I really like it a bunch. Better than snuff as the ole timers used to say.

 

[WDaniels]

RustyJC,

I just went through the hassle of getting my rig fixed after a serious ding and I can tell you that once you are out of warranty that the insurance company (Allstate and geico) consider them aftermarket regardless if they were negotiated and installed by the dealer. Their contention is, if it didn't come from the FACTORY FLOOR INSTALLED it isn't part of the truck and therefore after market.

Just thought I'd say something to keep someone from getting taken to the cleaners without foreknowledge.

WD



P. S. The insurance companies will not ask you about aftermarket add on's either. Or at least mine didn't. You have to ask for a rider to cover your after market stuff.

 

[24VChev]

Springs!

Which ever brake you decide on do not forget to add the 60lb exhaust springs for your 12V to take full advantage of the retarding power. The 24V does not need to be upgraded. I also like the shifter switch option.





Malcolm

 

[RustyJC]

Originally posted by WDaniels

RustyJC,

I just went through the hassle of getting my rig fixed after a serious ding and I can tell you that once you are out of warranty that the insurance company (Allstate and geico) consider them aftermarket regardless if they were negotiated and installed by the dealer. Their contention is, if it didn't come from the FACTORY FLOOR INSTALLED it isn't part of the truck and therefore after market.

Just thought I'd say something to keep someone from getting taken to the cleaners without foreknowledge.

WD



P. S. The insurance companies will not ask you about aftermarket add on's either. Or at least mine didn't. You have to ask for a rider to cover your after market stuff.

What did I say that has anything whatsoever to do with insurance companies? All I said is that my Jacobs is covered by the DC bumper-to-bumper warranty, and it is. I don't think anything I said will lead to someone being "taken to the cleaners".



Rusty

 

[plongson]

Camping World

I just got a good deal on a Pac from Camping World for my '99. I got it for $597. 00 + tax. That was the best deal that I could find. It is still in the box and will install the first chance I get!!!



Oo. Oo.