Exhaust brake question

[RopinFool]

Hello everyone, I am new to the forum and new to turbo diesel ownership. Last week I bought a 2000 quad cab 2 wheel drive shortbed with the automatic transmission. The truck came with a BD exhaust brake, ISSPRO pyrometer and transmission temp and airlift suspension. I was very happy about these additions until I began doing a little research on the exhaust brake and discovered the shortcomings of its use with the automatic transmission. What I was wondering was how you could tell if the truck has already had aftermarket transmission upgrades done to it (ie, torque convertor, valve body, clutch controller, etc. )

Anyways, in my first day of forum membership I have learned a ton and look forward to learning more about my new toy.

Thanks in advance



Grant

 

[TPCDrafting]

I'm not sure, but if it works good at all, your transmission improvements have likely been done. Someone with an auto will chime in soon I'm sure. Don't be discouraged, the ex-brake will work well with the auto. It will be much better w/o especially if you go down any steep grades.

Welcome to the TDR.

Tim

 

[Steve G]

Grant,

First exhaust brakes are not recommended for auto trans. If you do have one, there are things that need to be done to the transmission to protect destroying it. When it comes to the auto transmission go straight to the man... . Bill K. Diesel Transmission Tech. He will give you straight forward info with no BS.





http://www.dieseltrans.com/index.htm



Steve

 

[Snow man]

I second what Steve said. if the brake is working,and the trans is staying locked,thrn some of the required mods have been done. I use my brake all the time,I wouldnt be without it now.

 

[RopinFool]

Thanks for the replies... after spending some more time in the truck I am pretty sure there are no modifications (I am sure at least that there is no lockup devise) as when i let off the throttle my RPMs hold up for just a second or two then quickly drop to nothing... i guess this is the torque convertor unlocking. Maybe I will be lucky and the t/c and v/b will already have been upgraded and I will just need to add a controller (the Smartcontroller of course!). Apparently one of the shops in town sells DTT equipment so I am assuming that if Bill allows them to sell his equipment it is probably a reputable shop. I would imagine they can get me pointed in the right direction.

 

[DBVZ]

You may want to read through the LONG thread about the Emjay Engineering Controller in the equipment forum, or read about it at the ATS web site discussion boards. It has some more features than the Smart Controller, but is in a big controversy between ATS and DTT.

 

[HC]

Based on what you're describing, I'd recommend you NOT use the exhaust brake until you get the transmission mods you need. You might damage the transmission, and you're not getting much braking out of it anyway. You COULD still use it for warm-ups when idling, however, as that won't impact the transmission.