Exhaust brake for 04.5 Cummins

[Cohomojo]

I was in the Dodge dealer yesterday having the "Out of Park Alarm System" flashed on the truck and was talking to the mechanic about the possibility of ever being able to install an exhasut break on the truck. He said as I already knew that on the 03-04. 5 trucks with auto transmission, that it wouldn't happen. He did mention that if the torque converter was replaced that I would be able to have one installed. Anyone hear of this before?

 

[mattymac]

The reason the earlier trucks cant run one with factory equipmet is because of lock up control of the torque converter. In order to use an exhaust brake with an auto you need to be able to maintain lock up and enough line pressure to hold your coast clutches without slipping them while off the throttle. This is what will make a solid link between your motor and tires enabling braking power to be applied without making heat in your trans. Its more than a TC its in the valve body and electronics. There are aftermarket companies that can provide the products to use an exhaust brake on your truck but they do come at a hefty price.

 

[Donn]

I was in the Dodge dealer yesterday having the "Out of Park Alarm System" flashed on the truck and was talking to the mechanic about the possibility of ever being able to install an exhasut break on the truck. He said as I already knew that on the 03-04. 5 trucks with auto transmission, that it wouldn't happen. He did mention that if the torque converter was replaced that I would be able to have one installed. Anyone hear of this before?

You actually had the out of park alarm done??

 

[p-Bar]

The reason the earlier trucks cant run one with factory equipmet is because of lock up control of the torque converter. In order to use an exhaust brake with an auto you need to be able to maintain lock up and enough line pressure to hold your coast clutches without slipping them while off the throttle. This is what will make a solid link between your motor and tires enabling braking power to be applied without making heat in your trans. Its more than a TC its in the valve body and electronics. There are aftermarket companies that can provide the products to use an exhaust brake on your truck but they do come at a hefty price.

Not true, it doesn't have to do with the torque converter it has to do with the amount of ram in the computer for the new software and also the unknown date by DC when they started installing the thrust washers in the transmissions. I had followed the thread closely on the exhaust brake, this was per the "Man" in charge of this project from Jacobs.



Don

 

[mattymac]

Not true, it doesn't have to do with the torque converter it has to do with the amount of ram in the computer for the new software and also the unknown date by DC when they started installing the thrust washers in the transmissions. I had followed the thread closely on the exhaust brake, this was per the "Man" in charge of this project from Jacobs.



Don

I never said it had to do with the TC? Reread my post!



I just said that the aftermarket can make it happen with mechanical and electrial changes/upgrades. Mainly a lockup box and valvebody.

 

[p-Bar]

Yes I did and you were right on that part.

Don

 

[Cohomojo]

Thanks for the info... so what's the actual bottom line? What needs to be done so I can have an exhaust brake installed?

 

[BHolm]

The bottom line is best provided by the vendors selling the brakes. The Mopar version will not integrate with your engine control computer period, so it would be best to look elsewhere. PacBrake, BD and Banks are all offering brakes and controllers for your truck. A few phone calls to comparison shop will likely answer all your questions.

 

[TPoulsen]

Not sure if your tring to install your self or if have a mechanic to do the work but I have heard good things about BD ebrakes, you can go to there site they have excellent info and installition instructions there to give you an idea of what your going to need.

I have had nothing but good things to say about my jacobs unit but I'm not a mechanic so other than tellin' ya it works great everytime I flip the switch is as far as I can go.



My 2 cents,

 

[Cohomojo]

Thanks!!!!

 

[mattymac]

First you need the brake itself, then you will need to address the mechanical things such as the valve body, most are E-brake compatible and have enough line pressure on the coast clutches to where they wont slip, create heat, and burn up. Then for the electronics you will need some sort of converter clutch lock up box. Most transmission companies make their own version of one and they have an exhaust brake feature built in. As for the converter it wouldnt be a bad idea to update it with the valve body but its not mandatory IMO. Just call some of the big transmission companies (ATS, Suncoast, DTT) and they will be able to stear you in the right direction.

 

[p-Bar]

Just remember you will be voiding warranty on the transmission. You need to make sure the thrust washer is in place or you will be trashing your trans. Good luck



Don