exhaust brake dilemma! should I?

[FrankA]

This is my first time posting and would like a little advice. I own a '05 turbo diesel w/automatic; 2500; longbed and use mainly for tow. Trouble is; Chrysler/Dodge has not approved the go-ahead for an E-brake for that year. I'm looking to have an aftermarket exhaust brake (BD) installed. I understand that I'm taking a chance by voiding my transmission if anything were to occur. I've already had a white knuckle experience coming down a steep grade here in CA. Is the BD brake a good choice or are there others?

thanks-

franka

 

[Kerm]

I have a factory installed Jacobs brake in my truck. It is a 6speed but, I would not ever buy a truck without one again!

 

[VZarich]

The issue is one with insufficient line pressure to hold the bands inside the transmission coming downhill with no throttle. Slippage of the bands will burn up your stock 2005 transmission in no time. Thus the factory's position of not approving an exhaust brake on the 2005 and back models. The 2006 and forward models have substantial modifications from the factory in order to hold line pressure under no load conditions. I understand that there are aftermarket products that some of the better Dodge aftermarket performance transmission shops can install to make your transmission capable of handling the additional loads. I am however very sure that the modifications would be very expensive and probably require removable and disassembly of the tranmsmission. There is also the issue of the factory warranty which you would be voiding. I would be very concerned with seeing as repairs on these vehicles are very expensive. I have a 6 speed and have a Jake on mine which works very well and is covered under the factory basic and extended warranties seeing as it has a Dodge parts number and was installed by the dealer. I personally think that if you were to subjectively evaluate the situation regarding the cost of modifications to the transmission as well as the cost of the Jake itself as well as the issue of voiding the factory warranty which you already paid good money for. You might be dollars ahead selling your vehicle and replacing it with one that has these capabilities from the factory.

 

[ScottLewis]

I put a BD brake on my '98 along with the best transmission controller they offered at that time. They now offer a "Towloc" which is greatly superior. You must have ea means of lockng the TC. I was very happy with the performance of the BD brake. You may well have issues of warranty violation if the you have transmission problems. My '06 with the Jake works extremely well and the shift points, etc are quite similar to the BD Towloc.



It has to be your decision. I was glad I took the chance but I never had to deal with a dealer challenging me about the brake.



Dan

 

[phicks]

Frank,

Just installed BD with towloc on my 04. 5 48re and love it, gross out at 21,000 really worked nice through passes in Oregon

 

[geusterman]

So Phicks you just went for it with a stock transmission? Guts man! I love it! I guess you could just wait and see if it dies then see if Dodge fixes it or do your DTT or ATS type upgrade. I sure want one. George

 

[phicks]

George,

Did alot of research with trany shops and also talked with John Holmes at Carson Dodge. All said the same thing change trany oil at 15k, install a valve body and TC. I visited BD last week and they install hundreds of brakes on 04. 5's with the towloc. Bought a valve body which is being installed by Immeler Diesel in Sacramento the end of this month. Will be doing TC this winter. I gross out at 21,750 these brakes really work, I highly recommend.

 

[geusterman]

Thanks Phicks... I am just south of BD in NW Washington. They have done other diesel work for me over the years. You have encouraged me! George

 

[phicks]

I had a problem with the original installer not following directions and setting codes. I was on vacation up there and they squeezed me in. (Remember your passport) I was quite impressed with their technical support team, Pat and Dave, and Blair the service manager. Pat and Blair solved the problem almost immediately by finding reversed wires. Good company to do business with, nice shop, all my future upgrades will be BD!!

 

[captainmike]

Pacbrake has a nice set up with their PRXB system. They use a transmission controller when the system is installed on an '05 or earlier automatic transmission. I have their brake on my '06 48RE (no trans controller required on an '06) and love it. Talk to them and see what you think. Talk to Jim (jelag) at Pacific Clutch and Brake (800) 445-4696.



Have fun, Mike

 

[BHolm]

I could have sworn that I read the '05 auto has all of the mechanical upgrades needed, just not the software. I read it in the TDR mag. I also do not believe the issue was pressure, but the '05 and up 48re's have a thrust washer upgrade that is designed to take the reverse loading the exhaust brake provides. I think that an aftermarket controller and brake are an excellent choice. I had a factory Jacobs on my '06 auto Megacab and swore it was the best thing since toasted bread. I must say though, the same brake on a manual trans truck is worlds better again.



I also would not own a truck like this in the mountains without an exhaust brake. Auto or manual, I think the should be standard equipment... oh yeah, they are on the 6. 7s now aren't they

 

[CPG]

Anyone making the decision installing a B/D exhaust brake will be going in the right direction. It is important to have the Torc/Loc installed to maintain the neccessary pressures on the trans. clutches to avoid slipping.

I had the great luck to have Ken Imler of Sacramento do the installation for me. The result is nothing less than fantastic as I pull a 5th wheel trailer in the mountains a lot. The difference with and without is night and day. I would never be without an exhaust brake for this peace of mind and vechicle control.

I highly give a high recommendation for the Imler Diesel shop for excellant work.



Chuck