Jake Brake

[REpstein]

Hi guys-



I just got back from a 2000 mile trip across the continental divide with my new 3500 diesel and new 3-horse slant load trailer. Everything went great eventhough going down the grades with an automatic transmission did get kind of exciting. The thought did cross my mind that an exhaust (Jake) brake would have come in real handy. I checked with a Dodge dealer in Colorado who told me that they had installed Jake brakes made by B&D and it didn't invalidate the warranty. I asked about a transmission lock-up system and he did seem to understand what I was talking about. Has anyone else had experience with such systems??



Thanks,

Rick Epstein

San Diego, CA

 

[Joe G.]

I think that Dodge dealer ought to have a chat with DC about that warranty is ok with an exhaust brake business. The last I heard was that installing one would void the transmission warranty. If anyone has heard different they havn't said anything.

 

[Randy J]

I'm fairly limited on this, but here goes anyway. The exhaust brake won't work with an auto as it is. The torque converter releases and the transmission is pretty much free wheeling. Because it can generate a lot of heat, DC will void automatic transmission warranties if you have an exhaust brake. There are things you can do to get an exhaust brake to work with an auto, but they involve mods to the transmission. BD has a "torq-lok" I believe its called, which allows you to manually control torque converter lockup. This will allow the exhaust brake to work, however, can generate heat in the transmission (again, I believe). The best bet is a DTT modified transmission. He can give you a new valve body, torque converter and a smart controller for use with an exhaust brake.

Hope this helps.

 

[JWRowe]

exhaust brake

REpstein,

I can attest to positive aspects for the use of an exhaust brake. This past summer my wife and I were on I-77 in North Carolina and had to make a panic stop from 67-68 MPH. This is about what I had the cruise control set at. Coming over a rise, traffic was stopped dead in the road for over one half a mile due to a TT broken down in the travel lane. This is the same lane I was in. Traffic on the left of me, right side traffic from an entry ramp and traffic close behind. PACBRAKE and DTT Smart Control both worked perfectly. We stopped with only about 2' of space between our truck and the vehicle in front of us but it was a safe stop. I shook and sputtered a bit but no one was hurt. I have a 91% TC and a VB in addition to Smart Control from Bill Kondalay (sp). I have spoken with Bill and several members of his staff on a number of occasions regarding their products. Bill, his staff and his products superior and I am a well satisfied customer. Regardless of what you decide to purchase for a product I urge you to check on Bill's products. He has a website. Go to www.dieseltrans.com and check it out. Then call and speak with either Bill or his son Stephan.

Best of luck,

J Rowe

 

[Joe G.]

DTT is the way to go

Rick,



The stock automatic trans just does not do the job mostly because of the braking problem. Unless you like exciting journeys down long hills you will need to do something about it. Unfortunatly, just about anything you do will void the DC transmission warranty. Not all is lost however. DTT customer support is far superior to anything DC ever would even think about doing. As others above have suggested, talk to Bill K. at DTT about his product warranty and support. I STRONGLY suggest that you get his VB and TC along with his smart controller. Then you will have the truck you thought you paid for. Oh yeah, he also sells and installs exhaust brakes. You can find out from him who in SD installs and services his products.



I don't make a dime off these recommendations. I'm just a VERY satisfied customer. Check the forums and you will find a lot of us.