Ex brake controller

[SRehberg]

I recently decided to put the PacBrake on my '96 and I have the automatic. I know I need a control to lock up the torque converter, but the speciality controllers run all over the place in price. Do they actually do anything better than the "mystery switch" other than eliminate the possibility of forgetting to disengage the torque converter at stops or full throttle? The different companies seem to tout their product as the only one to have, and the price is fairly steep for my budget.



Anyone having success or dismal failure with just "the switch?"

 

[DBCooper]

Most of them will let you lock in 2nd gear if you have a valve body set up for that. Call around and see if there are any that will work on your "RH" trans. I don't know enough about the differences between the RH and RE's to tell you if the controller would work or not. HTH

Dan

 

[SRehberg]

I need to get a valve body modification, as the trans has been replaced with a reman unit. My '96 has the "RE". Has anyone had good luck with the BD or Gale Banks units? DTT's controller seems a little to pricey for my budget. ATS has one for $399; by the time you add up all the toys, things start to lose their appeal!

 

[Joe G.]

The '94 and '95 has the RH transmission. All of the later have the RE. A "mystery" switch allows lock up in 2nd if the valve body has the modification. That does NOT require a controller. The problem with the switch is that you have to get the habit of using it correctly. If you do that then it works just fine regardless of the year of your transmission. If you abuse the switch you can wreck your transmission.

 

[SRehberg]

Joe G. I see you have the PacBrake as well. How are you controlling your torque converter, with the switch or ? I know all these additional pieces of equipment are great, but after awhile it starts to add up (at least on my budget!) so I try to do what I can with what I can afford at the time. Obviously I don't want to wreck the trans, but can the switch just be used going down grades and leaving it off for the other times?

 

[Joe G.]

I have been controlling my TCC for well over 100K with a switch. I use the three position (single pole, double throw) switch with center off. I have it set up so that up is lockup on, center forced lockup off, and down is let the computer do it. The ground wire from the switch for when it is up is to a button on the floor board (dome light door switch from a Dakota) so that I can break the lock temporarily by stepping on the button (stop signs, etc). Around town I let the computer do it. On the highway I control it with the switch regardless if I'm towing or not. I use my Pacbrake all the time for slowing for off ramps, slower cars, turns, etc, etc... regardless if I'm towing or not. The button on the floor makes controlling the lockup very easy. PM me for more details on wiring if you are considering doing it this way.