Info. request: E-brake Jacobs or Pacbrake

[Mschevey]

Thanks to all who answered my last post. I am now planing on installing the E-brake myself. I am looking for some advice on what brand to use. Cummins recommends the Jacobs. Many of the signature lines list Pacbrake (also mentioned in replies to previous post). I notice the Pacbrake lists higher retarding HP, than the Jacobs. Has anyone used both, and can provide some definite comparisons.



If possible can someone post or e-mail pictures of both installed. I know space is limited in the engine compartment and was wondering which uses the available space better.



I just saw there is a get together in Sharron, PA this Sunday (Sept. 30, 2001). I will try to make it for some of the time, I need to work in the evening. If anybody will be there who can show me either of the systems installed I would appreciate it.

 

[DRR-24V]

I am sure both are good products. I went with the PacBrake and am very happy with it. Great instructions with everything needed in the kit. It is lower in cost also at $550. JMO

 

[Ron Bissett]

Pac or Jacobs ?

Pac-brake cost less but is well made, machined vacuum chamber and not stamped out cold roll steel with spot weld frame . frame is solid bolted to gether and comes with adapter (for 99) and elbow with plug for access for Pyro after turbo, easy instructions ,can be had with ECM or manual (under Pedal) switch your choise . Both are good however its up to you . Home instal about 3-4 hrs Read instructions time at least one hour . Like Norm said on this old house ' Measure twice cut once. Hope this helps Ron in Louisville KY.

 

[RustyTRanch]

I went with Jacobs so I could plug into ecm.

Shop around I got this one for $540.

Best money I have spent

later

mike

 

[Skibby]

E-BRAKE

Mschevey,I have the E-Brake on my Ram,and it worked perfectly,I towed my fifth wheel to Branson,Mo. ,and down to Florida,one of the best accessories I've bought,I also chose it over the other brands because it was recommend for the Ram by both Cummins an Dodge,if I can I'll see you in Sharon,Pa.

 

[Ron Bissett]

Re: E-BRAKE

Originally posted by Skibby

Mschevey,I have the E-Brake on my Ram,and it worked perfectly,I towed my fifth wheel to Branson,Mo. ,and down to Florida,one of the best accessories I've bought,I also chose it over the other brands because it was recommend for the Ram by both Cummins an Dodge,if I can I'll see you in Sharon,Pa.

You are correct on the recommendation by DC and Cummins , Cummins owns Jacobs and both DCand Cummins sell them I doupt that they would recommend Pac-brake . or anyother brake . Ron in Louisville KY

 

[jwskrintney]

I also went with the Jacobs e-brake. I used my truck for our business and very seldom towed trailers weighing less than 13,000 lbs. The brake was the best money I ever spent on my truck. It saved me from accidents several times when the service brakes on the truck and trailer simply were not big enough to shut down the load in a hurry. I did not have the guts to install mine myself though and I think it was money well spent to pay a professional to do it. I understand that the pac-brake is easier to install.

 

[SOLER]

E Brake

I went with the E-Brake. It wasn't much more $$ than the Pacbrake, and it is covered under warranty, as DC sells them and will install them also. However, I wouldn't have the monkeys at my local dealership do anything like this on my truck. I did it myself, and am glad I did. It was easy. I can't speak for the Pacbrake, but the instructions for the E-brake were very good. They are sort of misleading, as they describe things as if they were written for someone who has never lifted the hood of a car and looked under it. IF that is the sort of person about to undertake this endeavor, he/she better back off and let someone else do it. But, anyone with a basic understading of auto mechanics can do this without much head-scratching.



Only a couple of things during the install snagged. The wire @ the ECM is a pain to get to. You have to move the fuel filter housing out of the way. That can be messy if you're not careful. Get a screwdriver to plug the hose when you unhook it.



I also went with the shifter-mounted switch from BD. It is very handy to turn the brake on and off.



Good luck with you decision and install. You'll love whichever you get.



SOLER



Oops! I got the Jacobs brake, not the E-Brake. They are virtually the same. But the E-brake is sold by Cummins, and the Jacobs brake is sold by DC. They are the same brake, but I can't honestly say if the instructions will be identical.

 

[George D]

Another opinion

I have the BD brake and am very happy with it. Instructions were also clear and easy to follow, installed in about 2-3 hours myself. Includes microswitch under throttle. A little more expensive than Pacbrake but has more low rpm braking power, sometimes allows higher gear on long downhills. Whichever you choose I am sure you will agree it is the most important addition you can make (besides joining TDR).

George