Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) pac brake survey

[Berrigan]

Can any pac brake owners tell me whether or not you put in the plug and exhaust springs?



Also how you like the performance of the brake and how heavy you tow.



Thanks for your experiences. Bill

 

[RColston]

Yes to both springs and plug. Tow about 13k w no problems. I have both BD (2001 HO) and Pac (96 5spd. ) BD does seem to have more retarding power at lower RPM. The times ( once ) that I have needed them ( Pac Brake ) as far as service support THEY WERE MORE THAN EXCELLENT - WENT OUT OF THEIR WAY TO FIX MY PROBLEM. . Both brakes have performed well.

 

[BFaoro]

Both

I have the plug in with the 60# springs and I tow a 20 foot cattle stock trailer. It works well pulling the trailer loaded, as for the weight of the trailer I couldn't tell you. We fill her up and take off!! Here in Colorado we do have a few steep roads and the brake does work well. I wouldn't go with out it !! My father in-law has a 1 ton with the 4:10 rear and a jacobs brake. My brake works better, his exhaust brake is the 30# version.

 

[TPCDrafting]

I have both springs and plug. I've read the pac is NOT very helpful without. The brake install isn't hard at all. I had the valve springs done for me by a friend and fellow TDR member. Definately get the gear shift switch, it makes it soo handy to use. I pull horses, hay and tractors. Heaviest I've pulled is about 15k trailer. The break is most effective above 2000 rpm. Battle pass in So. Wyo is around 15 miles of curvy, two lane, 6-7% grade coming into Encampment. I make that pull all the time and I only touch my brakes 3-4 times coming down. I only do that to keep the ride suitable for my horses. Before the brake I had to ride the brakes a bunch to keep the motor from over-revving in 3rd gear. Lots of sweat on my brow and smoking brakes before the pac. Next truck I buy will get an Ex. brake from day 1. I pulled home a load of hay two weeks ago. Mostly on relatively flat ground, but I had about 7. 5 tons total behind me. Half way home the trailer brakes quit working altogether. I limped home with my service brakes and pac only. Sure glad I had the pac. Ya never know when the trailer brakes will take a dump on ya.

 

[dremelts]

Yes, I put the plug in and installed the 60# springs. My trailer is about 6000+ loaded and I think the PacBrake works great! We recently went on a trip to Utah (from MI) and it got plenty of use.

 

[BWilson]

Defnitely both. the exhaust springs go in real easy too. I have a Pacbrake and the service is excellent; however, I think if I had to do it again I would go with the BD because of the valving and the in cab noise. Mine sounds like it's hissing when in use and I think the BD would sound more like a truck, ba da da da. You'll probably like whichever one you pick!!



Let us know what you decide.

 

[Josparkz]

ttt

 

[Got Smoke?]

I would like to add a question.

I am due to recieve my PacBrake any day now, and could have it installed next Monday or Tuesday night.



However..... I probably wouldn't be able to get the HD springs installed until Friday. I know running with the Pac just installed wouldn't cause any probs... . but you know how all of us are with new toys... . would it hurt to use it just a few times unloaded?

 

[BWilson]

I don't know if the valves are long enough (or the piston's tall enough) to hit if the valve is held open by excess exhaust pressure but I sure wouldn't want to find out the hard way.



Besides that, you've probably waited for almost 6 years now, another two or three days won't kill you!!!

 

[Berrigan]

Mark

I wondered the same thing. But Im going to put the valve springs in at the same time. The way I understand it you can leave out the performance plug and run the stock valve springs. The braking wont be as strong though.



Thats why I was asking folks if they were running the plug and springs or not.

Bill