Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Exhaust Brakes

[Breed]

What would be the best engine brake for a 98 12 valve?

 

[Steve Campbell]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...

Well that depends. What are you planning to do with it.



Towing all the time with heavy loads... . Spend the extra $ and get a BD or US Gear (Please don't beat up on me too bad for that, my experience has been great). They have the "most" braking power (I do not know about Banks unit).



Towing light or seldom... . A Jacobs or Pac Brake would do just fine for less $.



Installing the 60 lb exh springs is a MUST to get the most braking out of any of the above units.



Best brake... I guess it boils down to wants, needs and dollars.

 

[STPH]

My friend and I installed a Cummins Jacobs exhaust brake on his 1996 Dodge with a 5 speed. The installation went well including the valve spring change. In the road test we were both dissapointed in the amount of redardation the brake provided. It was a little better at higher RPM's. Neither one of us was comfortable running at a higher RPM. The pull rod that closes the damper was threaded in all the way. I have to assume that it is completely closing the damper. Is something wrong or is this all we are going to get.

thanks for any info. steve

 

[Deezul1]

I bought the BD because its rated as have the best retarding WITHOUT changing the valve springs which i didnt want to do and so far have been very happy with it and have had it on 2 trucks so far. It really slows it down.

 

[6shotz]

Exhaust Brake

I have a BD w/ auto loc and pressure loc on my transmission. Its going to be more effective if you have a good torque converter as opposed to a stock one.



Steve