Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Pac Brake Causes more noise

[Wolfgang]

Has anyone else noticed that when they have a Pac Brake installed the noise level has gone up considerably even when the brake is not activated. I do have the BHAF but it seems like my sound level has just about doubled and I want to make sure something isn't wrong

 

[Diesel Gunner]

Yes, I have a Pacbrake on mine and I noticed a slight increase in the sound level also. The only thing that I can figure is that the Pacbrake elbow is about 17% larger than the stock turbo outlet elbow. I did measure the two pieces and did all the math to figure this out. I don't have the figures right here in front of me, but I remember the 17% number.



The increase was noticable but not objectionable. I will be straight piping the truck soon. I intend to leave the stock pipe in place along with the resonator. As you can see in my sig the engine is stock for now and I don't see any need to go to a 4 inch system (Yet?).



My guess is that the slightly larger elbow is the reason for the minimal noise level increase. You can't be saying that you don't like it, right?

 

[Wolfgang]

No I love it, just wondered if the noise increase was normal. After going down a 6% grade with 10,000# attached and not touching the service brake I wouldn't be with out it

 

[Gray Ghost]

And I thought it was just me. I thought it was letting the pipe

resonate more. Drone seems to be worse between 60 and 65.

Just have to drive 70. Grandson was in the truck last nite.

He said" PPAW you like to hear that brake don't you. " I looked

at him and said "yeah I do".

 

[Diesel Gunner]

You got that right,Wolfgang! My truck had about 27,000 miles on it before I installed my exhaust brake and I run heavy regularly with the Artic Fox in tow. It grosses at 10,800, but I cannot tell you how much I actually weigh when I am rolling. However, I sure do like not having to touch the brakes coming out of camps or coming down this side of the Sierras.



Would not be without one, now. By the way, I just had the wheels off to inspect the brakes (31,000 miles). I had heard so many horror stories about how bad the brakes were on Dodges that I just had to take another look. I did not measure the pads, but I have had the wheels off and inspected the brakes at 10,000 and I dont think that I am even at 70% remaining now. I would just about wager that I will get 60-70,000 out of this original set of linings. Woo-Weeee, am I opening myself up here or what?



As far as I am concerned, Dodge should not build these trucks without an exhaust brake.

 

[Diesel Gunner]

78K and still on the original brake pads. Probably not even 40% worn off.

 

[Grizzly]

I just got my PacBrake installed a little more than a month ago. It sure is great with or without my Arctic Fox 5er in tow and going down a hill. It does make a little more noise, but I can't say it bothers me. Love the shifter switch.