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Exhaust Brakes - Which is the best survey
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The direct mount brakes are just a bolt on installation. They replace the elbow that bolts to the end of the exhaust manifold. The US Gear requires that the pipe be cut. I'm not sure that there is enuff room to mount it in the down pipe.
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Joe George
Eureka, CA
'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,TST #5,BD valve body,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver
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Joe George
Eureka, CA
'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,TST #5,BD valve body,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver
I agree Joe, I do not think the US Gear will fit in the downpipe. Another thing to consider is supporting the weight. Direct mounts bolt to the turbo and use it for support. There is nothing holding the US Gear underneath the truck except for the welded in flanges on the exhaust pipe. US Gear provides clamps for the kit, but from what I have heard from people that have it, they don't hold. It needs to be welded.
I have the US Gear brake installed on my truck. The installation was no fun, clamps leaked so I did a little spot welding . The brake does a pretty good job, but I have had it stick on a few times, even with the on-off-on-off cycle on start up. Usually I just skip that cycle as I have to come down a hill from my house no matter where I'm going. I've also had times where the brake would not engage - usually at higher rpm's with a heavy trailer. Once speed was down a bit, the brake worked fine. US Gear's theory is that having the brake further downstream from the turbo will create less heat for the turbo and help it have a longer, happy life. The price from Camping World for the US Gear brake was great, but if I had it to do over again, I'd go with BD, just because of their level of expertise and commitment to our trucks.
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Dan Heynen - Anchorage - '97 Club Cab 2500 4X4 with most of the whistles and bells, Auto, 3. 54, US Gear Engine brake, gauges, K&N air filter, lock-up switch, TST 230hp Power Kit , Mag-Tec rear differential cover, Bushwhacker fender flares, NorthWest Custom rear fender flaps, Rhino spray in bedliner, Amsoil user and dealer, 28 foot Cardinal 5th wheel, 25 foot Ericson sailboat, Western Pro Plow, Arctic Cat snowmobiles.
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Dan Heynen - Anchorage - '97 Club Cab 2500 4X4 with most of the whistles and bells, Auto, 3. 54, US Gear Engine brake, gauges, K&N air filter, lock-up switch, TST 230hp Power Kit , Mag-Tec rear differential cover, Bushwhacker fender flares, NorthWest Custom rear fender flaps, Rhino spray in bedliner, Amsoil user and dealer, 28 foot Cardinal 5th wheel, 25 foot Ericson sailboat, Western Pro Plow, Arctic Cat snowmobiles.
I have the D-brake (US Gear)and love it. In fact I haven't heard of anyone not liking what ever brake they buy.
I was told the delay an e-brake has in coming on can save problems with bombed engines as going from full boost to no throttle (I've done this, long story) and blocking up the exhaust in an instant can be harmfull to the engine.
The further the brake is the better for egt's.
The D-brake is the only one with absolutely NO RESTRICTION.
At least that's what they told me when I bought it!
Ron
[This message has been edited by Ron Duncan (edited 06-18-2000). ]
I was told the delay an e-brake has in coming on can save problems with bombed engines as going from full boost to no throttle (I've done this, long story) and blocking up the exhaust in an instant can be harmfull to the engine.
The further the brake is the better for egt's.
The D-brake is the only one with absolutely NO RESTRICTION.
At least that's what they told me when I bought it!
Ron
[This message has been edited by Ron Duncan (edited 06-18-2000). ]
I can't add much to what has already been said, but will answer as one more satisfied customer with the PacBrake.
Why? Price and performance.
Where? After the turbo. Closer to the engine and farther from the dirt and the road is better IMO.
Company/Distributor? I called PacBrake directly and they put me in touch with a distributor in Dallas.
Can you install? If I can, I would say just about anyone could do it. My 14 yr old son and I installed it in 2. 5 hours. Instructions included are good.
I bought the model that is controlled by the accelerator, and am glad I did. It fits my driving habits better. I also mounted a switch on the gearshift to make it easy to turn on and off. I really like the switch.
I've owned 5 diesel pickups, but this is my first exhaust brake. I don't ever plan to own a towing truck withoout one. If you tow, it may be the best add on for your money.
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99 3500 QC 4X4 5sp 3. 54 K&N air filter, DiPricol gauges, 275 hp injectors, Pacbrake, Westin nerfs, GN hitch, Tekonsha Brake controller, Mopar seat covers, Husky mats, silencer ring removed, Draw-tite front receiver
Why? Price and performance.
Where? After the turbo. Closer to the engine and farther from the dirt and the road is better IMO.
Company/Distributor? I called PacBrake directly and they put me in touch with a distributor in Dallas.
Can you install? If I can, I would say just about anyone could do it. My 14 yr old son and I installed it in 2. 5 hours. Instructions included are good.
I bought the model that is controlled by the accelerator, and am glad I did. It fits my driving habits better. I also mounted a switch on the gearshift to make it easy to turn on and off. I really like the switch.
I've owned 5 diesel pickups, but this is my first exhaust brake. I don't ever plan to own a towing truck withoout one. If you tow, it may be the best add on for your money.
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99 3500 QC 4X4 5sp 3. 54 K&N air filter, DiPricol gauges, 275 hp injectors, Pacbrake, Westin nerfs, GN hitch, Tekonsha Brake controller, Mopar seat covers, Husky mats, silencer ring removed, Draw-tite front receiver
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Selected the BD.
Higher braking HP at lower RPMs and larger vacuum activator. Works well with their Autolok. Prevents me from punishing the transmission if I were to forget to turn it off.
Installed at the turbo for greater braking power. Also like the fact it's under the hood and out of harms way.
Had mine installed by a BD recommended dealer so I can't help you with that one.
I'll buy it again... if and when the time comes.
[This message has been edited by Rattlin (edited 06-15-2000). ]
Selected the BD.
Higher braking HP at lower RPMs and larger vacuum activator. Works well with their Autolok. Prevents me from punishing the transmission if I were to forget to turn it off.
Installed at the turbo for greater braking power. Also like the fact it's under the hood and out of harms way.
Had mine installed by a BD recommended dealer so I can't help you with that one.
I'll buy it again... if and when the time comes.
[This message has been edited by Rattlin (edited 06-15-2000). ]
I too chose the BD brake. I was in the middle of installing it tonight when a fast moving thunderstorm had other plans for my evening. So far installation is a snap. I less than an hour I had everything done with the exeption of installing the exhaust brake itself. All of the parts in the kit look like top quality stuff. The only thing that went wrong was my fault. I drilled the knee bolster in a place the switch couldn't be installed. No biggie, I'll just put the BD decal over the hole.
The BD unit was more money than some of the others but I've noticed over the past year that others seem to like them the best. Some have said the parts have failed way after the warranty was over and BD still replaced the parts at no charge. Gotta like that.
The BD unit was more money than some of the others but I've noticed over the past year that others seem to like them the best. Some have said the parts have failed way after the warranty was over and BD still replaced the parts at no charge. Gotta like that.
How new is your truck? If you're concerned about warranty w/o hassels, Jacobs is the only way to go. its a turbo mount and works really well on my '99 3500.
Also, according to Jeff at Gail Banks, the Jacobs and Pac Brake are best is you're going to install a 4" exhaust. The down-stream brakes get in the way
Also, according to Jeff at Gail Banks, the Jacobs and Pac Brake are best is you're going to install a 4" exhaust. The down-stream brakes get in the way
Just had a Jacobs e-brake installed yesterday ,not much experience yet but easy as pie to use,very good warranty and works great. Seems like a very worthwhile add-on.
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2001 2500 4x4LB,6-speed,HO engine,SLT,towing mirrors,Med. Bronze W/Dark Charcoal Line-x bedliner and rocker panels,CB
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2001 2500 4x4LB,6-speed,HO engine,SLT,towing mirrors,Med. Bronze W/Dark Charcoal Line-x bedliner and rocker panels,CB
I'm very happy with my BD exhaust brake! 
#ad
#ad
#ad
#ad
There are several reasons you never hear of BD exhaust brakes sticking, 1) they have the highest opening and closing pressures among all the exhaust brakes on the market... 100 psi, and 2) the valve bushings are machined from high quality alumibronze material.
#ad
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'98. 5 2500 QC 4x4, (BLACK) SLT Sport, ISB, LWB, 3. 54 LSD, A/T, Glasstite Vision II canopy, Line-X spray in liner, 285/75R16 BFG A/Ts on 16x8 M/T Challengers, Warn 4X Boards, Mopar fender flares, front and rear NW Custom stainless steel/rubber mud flaps, Mag-Hytec diff. cover and trans. pan, Edelbrock IAS shocks, Mopar tow hooks, Reese Titan V hitch, Jordan Research Ultima 2020 trailer brake controller, VDO Vision gauges, '00 Sport grille, '00 Sport headlights with PIAA Super White 9007/9004 bulbs, 4-2-7+4 Brite-Box, PIAA Dual Sport 900 auxiliary lights, BD exhaust brake and TorqLoc, Prime-Loc fuel filter relocation kit, Bosch 275 hp. injectors, VA CPC, DD Boost Module, Banks Stinger wastegate actuator, BLACK '00 valve cover, Banks Stinger 4" dia. stainless steel exhaust system, BD LV V10/Cummins hybrid TC and valve body, BD modified transmission front pump and PressureLoc, plus many other trick modifications
#ad#ad#ad#adThere are several reasons you never hear of BD exhaust brakes sticking, 1) they have the highest opening and closing pressures among all the exhaust brakes on the market... 100 psi, and 2) the valve bushings are machined from high quality alumibronze material.
#ad------------------
'98. 5 2500 QC 4x4, (BLACK) SLT Sport, ISB, LWB, 3. 54 LSD, A/T, Glasstite Vision II canopy, Line-X spray in liner, 285/75R16 BFG A/Ts on 16x8 M/T Challengers, Warn 4X Boards, Mopar fender flares, front and rear NW Custom stainless steel/rubber mud flaps, Mag-Hytec diff. cover and trans. pan, Edelbrock IAS shocks, Mopar tow hooks, Reese Titan V hitch, Jordan Research Ultima 2020 trailer brake controller, VDO Vision gauges, '00 Sport grille, '00 Sport headlights with PIAA Super White 9007/9004 bulbs, 4-2-7+4 Brite-Box, PIAA Dual Sport 900 auxiliary lights, BD exhaust brake and TorqLoc, Prime-Loc fuel filter relocation kit, Bosch 275 hp. injectors, VA CPC, DD Boost Module, Banks Stinger wastegate actuator, BLACK '00 valve cover, Banks Stinger 4" dia. stainless steel exhaust system, BD LV V10/Cummins hybrid TC and valve body, BD modified transmission front pump and PressureLoc, plus many other trick modifications
This is a very interesting thread... ... .
Gail Banks says blah blah blah... ... The D-brake is totally out of the way, way down under. I just had my transmission fixed and it wasn't in the way. D-brake makes a seperate bigger unit for the 4" exhaust that has NO RESTRICTION at all. It is not limited by the turbo size. No other brake can say that. Also the butterfly has no holes in it so it completely stops the exhaust.
Braking power is of little import as they all do a great job.
I came from May Madness down hwy 395 to Lone Pine CA and then through Death Valley and into Beatty NV hauling a totol of 18k#. This is all up and down VERY STEEP AND WINDY roads. The fact is you got to be an idiot to do this when it's 120 degrees in the valley. Everything worked great includintg the brake! I hardly touched the normal brakes!
These dealers all say their product is far superior to others. Bull Pucky, says me... ... .#ad
Ron
[This message has been edited by Ron Duncan (edited 06-18-2000). ]
Gail Banks says blah blah blah... ... The D-brake is totally out of the way, way down under. I just had my transmission fixed and it wasn't in the way. D-brake makes a seperate bigger unit for the 4" exhaust that has NO RESTRICTION at all. It is not limited by the turbo size. No other brake can say that. Also the butterfly has no holes in it so it completely stops the exhaust.
Braking power is of little import as they all do a great job.
I came from May Madness down hwy 395 to Lone Pine CA and then through Death Valley and into Beatty NV hauling a totol of 18k#. This is all up and down VERY STEEP AND WINDY roads. The fact is you got to be an idiot to do this when it's 120 degrees in the valley. Everything worked great includintg the brake! I hardly touched the normal brakes!
These dealers all say their product is far superior to others. Bull Pucky, says me... ... .
#adRon
[This message has been edited by Ron Duncan (edited 06-18-2000). ]
Point of interest Ron; the exhaust brake can't totally close off the exhaust flow, if so, your engine would stop! Or? 
#ad
Also, the US Gear Decellerator exhaust brake has at BEST, only a marginal reputation for working properly. Every unit I have seen or heard about has been replaced with a different brand of exhaust brake (except for the one Scott just installed). Crossin' my fingers for ya Scotty.
#ad
[This message has been edited by John (edited 06-17-2000). ]
#adAlso, the US Gear Decellerator exhaust brake has at BEST, only a marginal reputation for working properly. Every unit I have seen or heard about has been replaced with a different brand of exhaust brake (except for the one Scott just installed). Crossin' my fingers for ya Scotty.
#ad[This message has been edited by John (edited 06-17-2000). ]
Has anyone compared exhaust temps from before and after installing a turbo-mounted brake?
I'm concerned that they will keep the heat in the turbo, and also add restriction to the exhaust. I hope not because the turbomounts seem to be more practical. They're independant of which size pipes you run, (3" or 4") and you probably don't have to mess with it when its time for new pipes.
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2000,4x,qc,6sp,3. 54,285/75r16 bfg/at's,Van Aaken cpc, DD Boost Module, Elbow, popup cmpr, 9000 lbs,14. 5-16. 5 mpg, WB6BFD for ID. Whats next, DD1's or 2's?? Now thats a tuffy!
I'm concerned that they will keep the heat in the turbo, and also add restriction to the exhaust. I hope not because the turbomounts seem to be more practical. They're independant of which size pipes you run, (3" or 4") and you probably don't have to mess with it when its time for new pipes.
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2000,4x,qc,6sp,3. 54,285/75r16 bfg/at's,Van Aaken cpc, DD Boost Module, Elbow, popup cmpr, 9000 lbs,14. 5-16. 5 mpg, WB6BFD for ID. Whats next, DD1's or 2's?? Now thats a tuffy!
John,
Cross your fingers for me too!#ad
See, it just goes to show you the dealers will tell you anything!
They also told me it has the best braking power at low rpms(?).
It does have a good guarantee and I totally (almost) trust that the guy who installed it will stand behind it.
Wish Me Luck,
Ron
Cross your fingers for me too!
#adSee, it just goes to show you the dealers will tell you anything!
They also told me it has the best braking power at low rpms(?).
It does have a good guarantee and I totally (almost) trust that the guy who installed it will stand behind it.
Wish Me Luck,
Ron
I think someone, maybe Joe Donnelly, made some sort of back pressure test for exhaust brakes and there was none detectable when they were open. The cross sectional area is greater where the valve is so the net effect is no added back pressure. Anyway, as far as I can tell, all the turbo mounted brakes work just fine. My PacBrake is the model that is used for 35 lb valve springs. (I'm gonna upgrade to the 60 lb springs when I get a roundtoit. ) This brake works just fine. I seldom have to use my service brakes for anything except stopping. 100K+ on rear shoes and 85K+ on front pads so it's doing it's job. You pays yo' money and takes yo' choice here. Can't really go wrong.
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Joe George
Eureka, CA
'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,TST #5,BD valve body,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver
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Joe George
Eureka, CA
'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,TST #5,BD valve body,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver
My brake works fine. I have the HX-40 turbo on my truck so the outlet is different.
I have my unit welded on and it is tucked up by the frame real nice.
I guess I could say that only the stuff on my truck is the best or that what I have is the only way to go but there are so many different ways to go that the best way to determine if a component is good for you is to try it. If this brake gives me any trouble I will be sure to let people know about it.
see ya
I have my unit welded on and it is tucked up by the frame real nice.
I guess I could say that only the stuff on my truck is the best or that what I have is the only way to go but there are so many different ways to go that the best way to determine if a component is good for you is to try it. If this brake gives me any trouble I will be sure to let people know about it.
see ya
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Back Issues
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