Is there an Exhaust Brake option for a 2003 48RE

[brillmtb]

Just wondering if you can put an exhaust brake on a 2003 48RE. Most of what I have seen is no.

 

[TCDiesel]

Pacbrake,Banks,Dodge all make one for 03,I have had the PRXB/Pac on My truck beginning in 2004 132k later and 1 compressor, it has performed flawlessly, My trans is modded and air operated TV actuator.

 

[JLandry]

Just an FYI: The Banks exhaust brake uses the existing vacuum system to operate its butterfly valve, so no additional compressor is needed.



John L.

 

[p-Bar]

I think your biggest worry is going to be the "thrust" bearing if your trans was never rebuilt and making sure you buy an aftermarket box for locking up the torque converter.

 

[AMcCormick]

Isn't it pretty much a waste of resources to do a exhaust brake before building up the transmission? Or at least a tq converter and lock up switch or controller.

 

[BD-Hector]

You wouldnt want to run an exhaust brake without the lock up controller, With it you will be fine.



Hector

 

[HBarlow]

The short and simple answer is you cannot install an exhaust brake on a factory stock 2003 48RE. When the brake is activated your torque converter remains unlocked and the exhaust brake will churn and overheat the ATF and quickly destroy your transmission.

You must install an aftermarket device for locking your torque converter and keeping it locked.

 

[AABEN]

The Pacbrake will work if you do as Pac says.

 

[p-Bar]

Still be concerned about the THRUST WASHER not being in your year. This was one of the questionable things Jacobs had when they were test the trucks then they figured out there wasn't enough RAM in the computer for the firmware.

 

[HBarlow]

The Pacbrake will work if you do as Pac says.

The PacBrake alone will not lock the torque converter and will quickly destroy the op's transmission UNLESS he has a method of locking his torque converter.

 

[HBarlow]

Still be concerned about the THRUST WASHER not being in your year. This was one of the questionable things Jacobs had when they were test the trucks then they figured out there wasn't enough RAM in the computer for the firmware.

You are correct. Extensive testing was done for about two years before Dodge authorized installation of a Jacobs Exhaust Brake on '06 Rams with Cummins engines and 48RE transmissions. The reverse thrust washer and other upgrades were required to enable the 48RE to handle the braking force generated by the exhaust brake.

I ordered an '06 with a Jacobs Exhaust Brake as soon as that was announced. The brake appeared on the MSRP sticker but was actually still in the box lying on the floor behind the driver's seat. It worked great with the engine and transmission all fully integrated to work together.

 

[p-Bar]

The PacBrake alone will not lock the torque converter and will quickly destroy the op's transmission UNLESS he has a method of locking his torque converter.

HB I think the kit for the autos come with the box for locking the torque converter

 

[HBarlow]

Okay. I've never seen that mentioned before.

 

[Bill Stockard]

HB I think the kit for the autos come with the box for locking the torque converter

The 48RE transmission torque converter remains locked in 3rd (if O/D is turned off) and 4th gears when the driver lifts his foot off the accelerator pedal at speeds above about 40-MPH whereas the 47RH/RE did not. When the speed drops below about 40-MPH, the torque converter unlocks. If a 48RE is shifted down to 2nd gear manually and the speed is above about 20-MPH, the torque converter will lock and remained locked until the speed drops below about 20-MPH. An exhaust brake will work within those limited speed ranges without any additional lockup devices. I've tried it with a fixed orifice exhaust brake (earlier model PacBrake) and it wasn't very effective since the engine RPM is low. A variable restriction exhaust brake would probably work better.



Bill

 

[HBarlow]

My '06, the only MOPAR automatic I've owned, was programmed for installation of the Jacobs Exhaust Brake and it would lock and stay locked down to 20 mph and below that when 2nd gear was manually selected.

I would think it would be pretty risky to use an ex br if the tc would not stay locked below 40 mph. From 60 down to 20 is the range where I most often use my exhaust brake.