Jacob's Exhaust Brake

[SOLER]

I went to the Chev stealer to pick up a part for wife's Astro, and noticed a Duramax on the showroom floor. It was a 2500 4x4. Went to look at it, and the "fisherman" (as my wife refers to them) approaches me. He said "This here is the Big Kahuna. " I told him "BS, I have the Big Kahuna. "



Anyway, we end up talking, and he has a 97 Dodge with auto. He is concerned about his brakes, as he spends around $300-$500 per year on brakes. I suggested he get an exhaust brake. I can't remember where I got mine, but it is the Jacob's. Anyone know where to get it? I know there are more than one place, and all are cheaper than the stealer.



Plus, what all will he need to do to the transmission? New valve body, tc, tc lockup, or what? Plus, will he need to put in new springs on the valves? I told him I'd help. I also told him to visit this sight. Any help would be appreciated.



Thanks.



Soler

 

[SOLER]

BTT

Just bringing this back up. Anyone able to help? I hope to have the info for him when he calls

 

[Big Jon]

If he's "riding" his brakes all the time (left foot on brake, right foot on the go-pedal) an engine brake isn't going to help him. As far as where to get a Jacob's, any Cummins dealer will sell and install one a bit cheaper than the DC dealer. There are other brakes availabe, some better IMHO than the Jacobs. I've got a BD and love it, as it performs well throughout a range of RPM's, including the lower range. Some of the e-brakes will only give you good retarding when your RPM's are up.



Go to the "Links" section of the TDR site and you'll see a number of vendors for exhaust brakes. The Jacobs site is www.jakebrake.com/main.htm



Hope this helps.



Jon