Source for Vacuum Operated Electric Switch?

[Shelby Griggs]

Guys, I am brainstorming a little. Bigsaint had posted a picture earlier of an Eaton-Fuller shift knob mounted in his Ram. The knob was complete with two air switches for shifting the original application transmission. I got to wondering if you could use one of those switches for switching an e-brake off and on, instead of using the 2 speed axle switch. I am making the assumption that the original air switch would be capable of switching vacuum also. If that is the case, it seems all that would be needed is a vacuum actuated electric switch, off or on capability is all that is needed.



Am I crazy or does this sound like it might work. You would gain a real neat shift knob with an associated built in e-brake activation switch.



Of course, I guess I could add on board air and then look for an air actuated electric switch, but I am not ready to add air yet.



Shelby

 

[jstyer]

Eaton-Fuller

That sure did look good. It would tend to make you think you're back in a Big Truck. I've been wondering where I could find one ever since I saw that picture he posted as well.

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Re: Eaton-Fuller

Originally posted by jstyer

I've been wondering where I could find one ever since I saw that picture he posted as well.

I think he posted that he got that at Auto Wurks Diesel for around $85. It was in the thread on rotating shift knobs.



Shelby

 

[Bad340fish]

Shelby, I replied to the rotating knob post, check it out,



E-brakes use the vaccuum pump to activate don't they?? I am not sure. But if they do instead of using the Supplied E-brake switch use the one in the knob. Run a line off of your vacuum pump and through the switch then to the E-brake actuator. I don't see why it wouldn't work.



You might be able to take apart the shifter and put a spring in that switch so you would not have to flip it off all the time. You could just hold it then release when your done. Just my . 02



Clark

 

[DennyDay]

I put a relay in the line to the E Brake and a simple momentary contact push switch from Radio Shack and mounted it on the shifter in a home made bracket. Wire to ground and relay and I've got the exhaust brake when I want it.

Denny

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Good idea Clark. This would eliminate the ECM delayed engagement, in fact I guess all electrical connections would be eliminated. I was thinking earlier of still using the ECM to control the brake, just actuating the electrical switch via a vacuum switch. Not sure if that would be needed or not, and your way would be simpler. Hmmm.



See my post in the rotating shifter knob about customizing the Eaton-Fuller knob, turning it into a Ram knob. I see a very cool shifter / e-brake solution on the horizon.



Shelby

 

[tgbol]

Shelby

you can get the vacuume switch from Cole-Hersee.

But you have a 4x4 you can also use one of the switches on the shift knob to control the vacuume motor on the front axle.

I have on board air so i am planning to use mine with air pressure to control the front axle and an aux transmission (haven't decided which one yet)