Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Pacbrake or BD for auto

[mroidt]

Hey guys

Looking for info or your thoughts, on Pacbrake from the auto transmission guys. I'm thinking about buying it or the BD I did a search got alot of manual

transmission input, but no auto guys.

Besides whats in my sig, I just had my valve body done by Goerrend Bros.

Trans, so everythings good there

Hoping for some input on use and what speeds they're used at and any other

good or bad things that should or shouldn't do. Gonna weigh about 18K max,

and I'm headed for bigger hills. I pulled this already at 16K, and really ate up the brakes, after 10 hrs they really started to fade.

Thanks in advance this is a great place

 

[groser]

I have a Pac-brake with ATS 5 *Torque convertor/valve body (same setup as triple loc) and an ATS Co-pilot transmission/exhaust brake controller. I have controller set so brake range is +35 MPH. Below that speed the TC unlocks and brake will not operate. When towing in mountains I set it to drop out at 15 MPH but don't like it there because transmission sometimes shudders when I drop below 15 MPH and TC unlocks. You must lock up your TC when brake is engaged or you will ruin your transmission, even with a beefed up transmission. You can use a manual switch but if you forgot to disengage the truck will stall as you stop due to locked up TC. I haul a 12,000 lb trailer and find I don't need the brake below 35 MPH anywise. I purchased the ATS Co-pilot controller because I can set 3 different set points for TC lockup and I can switch it on the fly. A locked up TC Keeps transmission temps down when going uphill plus controls brake when going downhill.

I liked the PacBrake because I didn't need to purchase a compressor, just existing vacumn source works the brake and it operates plenty fast enough. Someone told me the new Pacbrake requires a compressor like the Banks. I did notice that egt increases a little faster than it used to and seems to exceed 1300 degrees a little sooner than it used to. I just put on 4 inch exhaust hoping that would help but haven't pulled since I installed it. The egt's were always troublesome, even when truck was new and before I put on the brake. There is a whistling noise at idle after I installed the brake but you can't hear it inside the cab. All in all I'm satisfied because I once overheated my brakes in Colorado and almost lost my fiver. Vowed never to tow again without exhaust brake.

 

[mroidt]

Thanks for the quick reply and keep them coming .

Also have a correction trailer towed is only 9K.

TIA

 

[JMLambert]

I also have the Pac Brake and tow a 13K 5th wheel. The brake works very well and as stated you need no compressor, you will need a auto lock up for the torque convertor. I have not seen any increase in EGTs. I had mine put on before any transmission mods as it was a safety factor that needed to be addressed.

 

[SnoKing]

I have a Banks 4" brake. If was to do it again, I would go with an inline brake and not have turbo upgrade issues. SNOKING

 

[mroidt]

Hi guys thanks again for replies



So you guys all use some kind of transmission controller instead of a mystery

switch?

 

[SnoKing]

Hi guys thanks again for replies



So you guys all use some kind of transmission controller instead of a mystery

switch?

Dumb proof it! Yes use a transmission controller box. SNOKING

 

[dnesbitt3]

I use the BD brake. I have some sort of controller BD with a 3 position switch for TC (1) off (2) normal operation (3) locked up. Has worked flawlessly for the past couple of years. I tow a 12K 5th wheel. I use the exhaust brake empty as well - saves the brake pads.

 

[mroidt]

Thanks again guys

I'm leaning toward a controller, I like things "dumb proof"

Like the Pacbrake but looking more at BD

 

[Doubleclutch]

I've used both the BD and PAC brake. You've chosen well!

(Just buy one, they're both great)

Greg

 

[EStarns]

I've had the BD Brake and Torqlock for over 60K now. No problems in all that time. The best feature is being able to lock the TC in 3rd above 30mph by flipping the switch and it stays locked. Also if you have to make an emergency stop it unlocks at 28MPH. It sure makes the truck a lot nicer to drive and sounds good but is still fairly quiet. I use it loaded or unloaded.



2001 4x4 quad cab long bed, Patriot Blue, BD Exhaust Brake, BD Torqloc controler, X-Monitor, Edge 3 stage chip. DSS & Lukes link.

 

[seafish]

Hi guys... I was about to start a thread asking about the differences between the PRXB and BD exhaust brake for use on my 2005 with G56 manual transmission when I came across this thread. I tow 8-10k in hilly terrain. While I know that many people are well satisfied with the PXRB, some other threads here on TDR indicate some problems when using it with the ECM as a controller. I have also seen some claims that the BD might be better designed and built then the PXRB--it uses bushings that don't need lubrication and might not be as susceptible to carbon buildup as the PXRB. I am NOT trying to pan the prxb, jut trying to come to understand the differences between the 2 products. I am more than a little curious to get more info from DoubleClutch who has used both products. ALSO, TDR #49 had an in-depth review of the BD brake, but I am unable to procure a back issue to read it myself. Does anybody have issue #49 that would be willing to photocopy and mail me the review--I would be more than happy to cover any copy/printer costs incurred for the trouble. Even better, maybe somebody with a scanner could just email me a PDF or TIFF file of the article. I had been leaning towards the PXRB and I would really like to read the review of the BD before I commit to a purchase. TIA for any and all opinions and info!!

 

[wcjp]

Don't want to Hijack this thread. My Pacbrake PRXB came with some paperwork. It stated if used consistently the PRXB would need no external lubrication. If vehicle has long durations of sitting external lubrication would be necessary. No problems with ECM on my 06'. Friend has BD on his 99' 5spd no problems.

 

[mroidt]

Well guys I picked the Pacbrake , got her on last week and so far so good .
Mountains in VA will tell . Wasn't a bad install but hooking in to the ECM
was kind of scary, but wasn't. The worst time I had was finding a spot I liked for the switch.

 

[mroidt]

Thanks again for replys
and Hijack away God knows I do it.

 

[mroidt]

CFish

As far as hooking in to the ECM I don't think you have to ,

they have a throttle switch hook up that does the same thing with no delay, if thats the problem your getting.

I would call Pacbrake's 800 663 0096, I called them a bunch with very tedious questions.

Also if you use your brake once in while not towing , they

say they won't carbon up. Not trying to sell anything yet:-laf



Also I called BD and talked to them to about any Questions you have also.

Hope this helps. Sorry no 800#

 

[seafish]

Mroidt, Thanks for taking the time to reply. I am wondering what tipped you towards the PRXB; despite all of the positive feedback which the PXRB has, the BD actually looks to be built from higher quality materials and manufactured with attention to detail. I am still leaning towards it, but I would really like to read a copy of the BD exhaust brake review in TDR#49; There are no longer any back issues available--Do you or Anybody else, by any chance, have a copy of that issue?? I would be more than happy to cover someone's expenses for being able to get a photocopy of the review mailed to me. I would laos like to hear back from more BD users with manual transmission on how they like their brake any issues they might have with installation or operation of it. As always, TIA.

 

[mroidt]

CFish

I'm sorry if I misled you to think I got the PXRB with compressor.

I have the older vacuum model, for my '99.

Why I got it , close out sale , easy install, and so far so good.



Anyways lookin' up #49 and seeing what I can do.

I would also do a search on these, theres alot on here already

on manual trannys.

 

[SnoKing]

I have the Banks 4" brake and it works well. You have to switch to their down pile. Turbo mounted brakes limit your future turbo choices. Several people told me to get an inline brake that mount farther down stream. I should have done that. SNOKING

 

[SnoKing]

Also the Banks brake controller has an automatic warm up feature, that brings the exhaust brake on in the morning and will leave it on until water temp reaches 140 degree's or if you drive off that will cancel it. This keep the brake exercised to prevent sticking. Others may have similar features. SNOKING