OE Exh Brake & Better AT Control - What Year?

[SSovaiko]

All,

I'm about done trying to upgrade my 99 2500 to tow the big stuff (12k lbs+). I'm ready to jump into a 3500, but I want the OE exhaust brake and the upgraded AT controls offered in the newer 48REs and/or 68RE.

What year did these become standard offering? I'm looking at 07's and many have the 5. 9L instead of the 6. 7L, but I don't know if those early 07 5. 9s have the better transmission control and exh brake - anyone know a rule of thumb I should use while shopping - like don't touch anything before 06, get a mid-year 07, etc?

Thx

Steve

 

[p-Bar]

48re was being installed in the 03 HO and up to 07 with the 5. 9 . 68re is for the 6. 7's only. 06 and above can take the original equipment "jake" brake and interface with the O. E. software. Hope this helps No real changes on the 48re through the years other than TSB's

 

[Simplysmn]

after having my 08 for close to a year now all I can say is WOW the new motor n ex brake work very well together towing power is plenty and stopping power is even better . best advise I can say is go drive a 08 and you will fall in love with it just like most of us have . Yes there will be some troubles with the new truck's not that there wasn't with the older ones when they first came out But I am working on 27,000 so far pretty trouble free miles on mine and would not swap it for the world .

 

[ScottLewis]

The '06s were first to come out with approved exhaust brakes (Jacobs brand) and transmission controls to make it work. I can't speak for the 6. 7 models but I'm real happy with my '06 so far. I have 26K miles on it so far, about 80% towing my 11K+ fifth wheel. I leave the brake turned on virtually all the time and it works seamlessly with the transmission.



Dan

 

[DE Jeeper]

You might want to do a search on the reliability of the factory vacuum pump set up. Many of us have had multiple failures of the pump. Go for the PAC and you can use the compressor for air bags since you are a going heavy. JMHO.



Aaron

 

[p-Bar]

You might want to do a search on the reliability of the factory vacuum pump set up. Many of us have had multiple failures of the pump. Go for the PAC and you can use the compressor for air bags since you are a going heavy. JMHO.



Aaron

Heard the pac brake has far superior braking than the Jacobs. I think they all need to be lubed from time to time

 

[SSovaiko]

Thanks all - it sounds like I'll want the 5. 9L from 06-07. 5 if I go w/Auto Trranny. Hearing lots of bad rumbles from the 6. 7L crowd on exhaust/DPF reliability, but raves about the 68RE transmission - wish I could get the 5. 9 HO with the 68RE... maybe I'll just opt for the six speed version of something from 05-07. 5 and add my own brake, as I've done for my current 99.