Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Exhaust Brake Recommendations

[Silver_Ram]

What exhaust brake be recommended & why?



I have read through lots of information and it seems like their all very different.



Are any of the exhaust brakes too much for my engine. My current 5th wheel trailer is 9,000 lbs as it sits.



I am mainly concerned about performance loss, effective RPM operating range, ease of operation & truck computer compatability, & I like the the idea of the engine warm up option.



Thanks,



Troy

 

[amillstream]

Which flavor of ice cream do you like? I've heard good about all of them and not much bad about any of them. I've got a pacbrake and like it real well. A couple of things to consider is if you plan on a turbo upgrade, it would be a good idea to go with an inline brake other wise the turbo mounted brakes will be fine. I didn't experience any performance problems and egts didn't change enough to tell it. Oh yeah, get a shifter switch, much much more convienent than the dash switch.

 

[Sixpack]

I have the Jacobs on my truck. I like the way it works with the ECM. I tow a #8000 5th and that long down hill winding 6% grades don't give me heart burn anymore.



I didn't see any performace loss either. What I did notice was my EGT's climbed alot faster after the e-brake was installed. An AFE Proguard 7 and Rip's 4" exhaust cured the fast climbing EGT's... .



I agree with amillstream get the shifter switch.



Good luck, Phil

 

[Diesel Gunner]

I have had a Pacbrake for almost three years now and would not own another diesel without one. Ditto on the shifter switch. The only time that I have had to do anything to it is after I wash down the engine the solenoid will sometimes stick and a rap with a screwdriver solves the problem every time. My TT grosses at almost 11k and I often run right at GCVWR.



I am sure that all of the exhaust brake manufacturers provide a good product. Heed what amillstream said about future upgrades to your turbo and save a few bucks not having to buy another one. And then, just enjoy coming off of the grades with cool brakes.

 

[jgillott]

I have the Jacobs on my truck. I like the way it works with the ECM. I tow a #8000 5th and that long down hill winding 6% grades don't give me heart burn anymore.

I agree... . The Jacobs operation with the ecm is excellent. I've installed a couple now and it is a pretty easy job.



No matter what brand you go with, I think you will be very happy. An exhaust brake makes towing or hauling any load a much more plesant experience.



Justin

 

[fyrescott]

I agree with all on the shifter switch and the fact that I will never own another without having an exhaust brake. Towing my 34' 5ver weighing 12,000lbs is a dream. I personally like the BD 4" inline brake. Compare turbo mount brakes next to the 4" inline and you will see the difference instantly. The butterfly valve is at least 1 1/2 times larger. Installation was a snap, just cut a chunk out of your pipe and bolt it in. I'm not saying mines better because they are all very effective and do what they claim. Just do your home work and then don't wait another minute.

 

[Silver_Ram]

Some of the previous posts concerning exhaust brakes, mention road salt in the winter & water from the rain. Is this really a problem.



If Utah gets a normal winter, the road salt & liquid salt water mixture may pose a problem.



Fyrescott, do you have any pictures of your install. Other than bed length, our trucks are very similar. Does it have a computer connection or all manual operation?

 

[fyrescott]

Silver Ram,



I can send you pictures if you like. The BD 4" inline is all manual, which is nice. All you have is a shifter switch and an accelerator switch. When the brake is activated, any depression on the accelerator will de-activate the brake. When this happens you hear a sound like air brakes releasing... . It's cool sounding. The brake itself is mounted anywhere between the turbo and the muffler, if you have one. The vacuum switch is mounted inside the frame rail. So far moisture and corrosion are not an issue.

 

[Silver_Ram]

Yes, I would like to see pictures of your installation. So I have an idea of where I can put it.

 

[fyrescott]

I will take some digital photos and send them to you.

 

[Ertman]

Exhaust brake

I have the factory exhaust brake on my '01 3500 4X4 dually. Sure does make those long downhills easier with my trailer (19,000 lbs) a lot easier and safer.



My only gripe is the *#@! built-in 2-second delay from the time I hit the switch to when the brake activates.



Anyone know how to get rid of the delay, please?



Please reply directly to -- email address removed --



Thanks,



Dick