Jacobs vs pacbrake not much money difference?

[SDowns]

My figures show about $300 difference between them. That doesn't seem like that much difference for the possible warranty issues. Our 96 had a pacbrake and DH loved it. I realize from reading the 3rd gen will brake differently anyway. Well, as I was typing this someone called back about $100 cheaper still widening the gap to $400. I am at a standstill as to what to do. I need some advice. My truck has 25,000 miles on it so warranty is a factor- it is my daily driver but we do pull alot, we live and travel in the mountains.

 

[mberry]

My advice is to go with the PacBrake. You should not have any warranty issues unless you have an auto transmission. Regardless, how many other things in and around your truck need a vacuum pump? How often have you wanted/needed compressed air when a gas station was not convenient?

 

[100 Proof]

I really like my Pacbrake. I can't imagine it would be a warranty issue as my owners manual indicates I should use one if I tow heavy and have a manual transmission.



100 Proof

 

[Winston Wolf]

Just installed Pac PRXB

and I am lovin' it Jerry!!! (sorry, Seinfeld reference)



It's only a problem with your DC warranty if the brake itself causes the problem. Not likely IMO.



Otherwise, Magnusson-Moss act protects you.

 

[SDowns]

I found the Jacobs brake for 1050 and the pacbrake for 920 with shift controller- not much of a gap at all now. I do not believe the pacbrake will damage myh truck- but there is the argument that the jacobs was designed for the truck.

 

[klenger]

I bought my Jacobs for $1090 + $25 shipping from http://www.klenger.net/dodge/general-reference/mechanicsville-dodge.html

 

[Jeff_K]

... but there is the argument that the jacobs was designed for the truck...

I think the PacBrake was designed for this truck as well. :-laf



I have a PacBrake and couldn't be happier. They also have the best customer service of any company I have ever dealt with.

 

[TCDiesel]

The PRXB is the best brake for Stopping and I like the operator friendly ECM bypass ,nothing wrong with the Jake just does not have the options the Pac has except for the warranty. The PRXB is not recommended for Stock 47/48re.

 

[mlandis2]

I like my Jake and have had no problems to date. I'm sure the PAC will work fine also so it may be hard making a case against either one.

 

[jelag]

I'm very one sided on this... . the key issue that I talk about is now your truck (with a Jacob's exhaust brake) has a special drive belt..... I'm betting you can't drive into any Dodge dealer and find it on the shelf... . and you won't find it on the shelf a NAPA... Now to be honest I've never checked... but its what I think will happen when you need one... ...



And the new PXRB brake has such a huge performance improvement between 1500 and 2200 rpm's over the other brakes..... If you get a chance test drive one of these... ...



Jim

 

[klenger]

Not meaning to debate the issue with Jim, but even if the serpentine belt breaks, you can still replace it in an emergency with the starndard belt, but the exhaust brake won't work. I carry my original belt as a spare.



Although I have no personal expereince with it, I'm sure the Pac Brake is a fine product.

 

[SDowns]

My husband wants to know if we can't just buy a spare belt to carry, in addition to the original.

 

[ChrisTucker]

My husband wants to know if we can't just buy a spare belt to carry, in addition to the original.

Yes you can. they are available at any cummins dealer and most autoparts places will have a cross over # if you take the #off the belt before you use it. Also if you install the Jake, you will have the original belt leftover that can be installed if the jake belt breaks. You just by-pass the vac pump and it goes on the original way. Then whenever you get a chance, you pick up another jake belt.

 

[mberry]

My husband wants to know if we can't just buy a spare belt to carry, in addition to the original.

Yes you can and it would be a very good idea imho.

 

[jelag]

Klenger



I haven't personally seen the installation close up... . I was told that the old belt wouldn't fit after the change... . believe it or not by one of the Dodge dealers we service..... Thank you for correcting me... . I will drop that statement from the comments that we share with customers.....



Jim

 

[klenger]

I've never actually tried it, so I could be wrong.



As previously mention, both Jacobs and Pac are good products.