2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Remote Mount Exhaust Brake

[Silver_Ram]

I am in need of a remote mount exhaust brake, but I am trying to get good user info.



I like the idea of the vacuum brake, because that was how I was setup prior to my turbo upgrade. I have only been able to find pictures of one install & it was back behind the transfer case. I would prefer to be alot closer to the turbo, but I am unsure if there is enough room. I have tried to find a local dealer with one in stock for comparison & didn't have any luck. I don't want to waste the money on freight, if it isn't gonna work. BD brakes are almost non-existent in my area, just lots of Jacobs & Pac-Brakes. I have only seen one BD turbo mount install.



I have installed remote Pac-Brakes & not been happy with their performance. The air activated BD remote brake looks small enough to fit in the downpipe or just behind the bellhousing. I don't know if I want to run 2 air compressors, I already have a very small firestone compressor that came with their new digital airbag controller kit. The air compressor is a little more integrated into the wiring setup, than traditional airbag kits. I won't have the money to integrate two air compressors into one system for awhile.



BD's install instructions are very generic & don't really show mounting options, so any input from remote exhaust brake users - especially 2nd gen 24 valve trucks would be appreciated.

 

[Curious Dave]

How well would these remote setups work with twins? I know exhaust brakes are restrictive... . But what about a remote exhaust brake with a cutout upstream?

 

[ROADWARRIOR]

I have a BD vacuum remote mount mounted beside my transmission and xcase and it works better than the turbo mount Pac Brake I had on my HX35. It is tight, but does fit.

 

[Silver_Ram]

ROADWARRIOR,



You don't happen to have any pictures of your exhaust brake installed do you? I have the NV5600 and it is really tight on the side of it.

 

[ROADWARRIOR]

I can get a couple of pictures for you. It is really tight on my NV4500 also.



Dan

 

[SRadke]

I have a 4" inline Pacbrake at the bottom of my downpipe. Substantially more room in there on a 3rd gen though. The basic concept of all of them is the same, if one works better than another it's because it was installed and adjusted correctly.

Silver Ram, the brake can be run off your airbag compressor. They require very little air. If you have a tank that has pressure in it at all times that's even better, just buy a solenoid. I run mine on a very small Viair compressor.

-Scott

 

[Silver_Ram]

If I install it any where close to the turbo, it might fit in the bottom of the downpipe. It looks like the side of the transmission is a no go, I think the vacuum can would hit the transmission.



If the downpipe doesn't work, the next spot would be by the transfer case above the cross member.



SRADKE - I don't know if the air compressor is up to using an air tank. A note from Firestone in the install instructions said not to be used an air tank. It is only 9% duty cycle. The pressure cut-off switch and the bleed off switch are in a very small aluminum block. I am probably would have to isolate the the switch block from an air tank with some kind of one way valve. Given time & money I could probably re-work it, but not right now. The compressor and the switch block are mounted on the panel behind the license plate holder & the spare tire for the 5th wheel still fits up in the spare spot without hitting anything. If anyone knows of a good air system website, I could use an education.



Thanks for the information.

 

[Pacbrake]

Hello this Chris from Pacbrake technical services. Pacbrake offers kits made to work in many different applications including turbo and inline mounted. If you would like more info please give me a call at 1(800)663-0096

 

[SRadke]

My Viair compressor is also only 9% duty cycle. I don't know how Firestone sets their systems up but to run the brake you will need a compressor capable of 120 psi, a pressure switch (90-120 works best) and a 2 position 3way solenoid. A small tank is great but not required. When I say small I'm talking like 1-2 quarts. Quite small.

-Scott

 

[Silver_Ram]

Hi Chris from BD,



Thanks for the offer, I have been already been talking with Sean McStay, Pat Stewart & Dave from BD. My post was trying get info from end users of the BD remote brakes.



SRADKE,



That's definitely a good idea, maybe I need to spend some time with the firestone instructions & see what I can figure out. I also can get a good deal on Viair - so maybe I will get to refiguring this air end of this out.

 

[BHitt]

Try US GEAR they have a brake that mounts ahead of the muffler with 60 psi back pressure. A company called PPL supply has them for$1099

 

[jelag]

In looking this over I don't see mentioned that in all in-line brake applications there will be a lag... that lag is based on the time it takes to fill the pipe with exhaust to 60 psi... the more pipe or longer the pipe the longer the delay..... also for a great in-line application you need to weld the connectors to the pipe from the turbo to the brake so there are no leaks... . any leaks in this circuit and the brake might not come up to full pressure...

We've installed a lot of them over the years...

Hope this helps. .

 

[Silver_Ram]

I initially thought I would be able to put the brake on the side of the transmission, but due to the lack of space & keeping the brake in the frame, I am convinced that I will have to put it by the transfer case or slightly behind it. I planned on welding the pipe & am considering changing to aluminized pipe, because it is more user friendly, when you are trying to make slip joints.



Jim, in your experience how much lag are you seeing with the remote brakes? 99% of my exhaust brake experience is with direct (turbo) mount. I currently have a 2 or 3 second delay with the Jacobs brake I have been running.

 

[SRadke]

I switched from a direct mount Pac with a tankless setup (compressor had to run to activate the brake) to an inline brake running with a tank. The tankless was about a 2-3 second delay, with a tank and an inline I now have less lag/delay.