Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Thinking ahead...exhaust brake?

[steved]

In anticipation of buying a 12-valve later this year, I am fully intending to install an exhaust brake (sort of like the DT kit on the 04. 5, just something I always wanted to try).



Which one? I'm looking for ease of use and durability... will most likely try to find a manual, eliminating the need for the converter lockup deal.



Suggestions?

 

[Shadrach]

Some are air operated ( comes with a compressor-which comes in handy for other things ) and some are vacuum operated. Jacobs, BD and Pac are all good brands. It usually boils down to what you like the best and which one you get the best deal on. Shadrach

 

[Breed]

I really like my Pac Brake! just for your information.....

 

[CKelley1]

the bd and pack have way more stoping power at low rpm than banks or jacob,you will have to change your valve springs from 35lbs to 70 lbs no big deal . i have a small preference of the bd over the pack, i have a very strong dislike for the auto , i think the pre 6. 7 auto's were junk from the factory, if you haul more than groceries in it it will not last, and with the reduction in mpg for the auto, it is a high price to pay

 

[Regcabguy]

I had a Pacbrake on the '99. With my camper it was a necessity with the drum brakes. A manual would have helped some though. Good product.

 

[RossCo]

I have the same type of question but I am wondering about the turbo mounted or the remote exhaust brakes. I have a '97, 5 speed. In the near future I will be getting a larger trailer and want an exhaust brake. I may want to upgrade the turbo after that. I don't want to put on a 3" exhaust brake on the turbo just to throw it out if I upgrade the turbo to a 4" outlet at a later date.

Other than the $ is there any disadvantage to the remote (air) exhaust brakes?



Thanks



RossCo

 

[Mhannink]

I have the same type of question but I am wondering about the turbo mounted or the remote exhaust brakes. I have a '97, 5 speed. In the near future I will be getting a larger trailer and want an exhaust brake. I may want to upgrade the turbo after that. I don't want to put on a 3" exhaust brake on the turbo just to throw it out if I upgrade the turbo to a 4" outlet at a later date.

Other than the $ is there any disadvantage to the remote (air) exhaust brakes?



Thanks



RossCo

there are a couple slight disadvantages to the remote mounted exbrake. one is it takes a touch longer to start holding then turbo mounted. this is because there is a higher volume of air and it just takes time to build pressure. after pressure is built there is no difference. the other problem and it happens on both the remote and turbo mount, remote mount just seems to happen sooner is they get dirty and the cylinder sticks either open or closed.



with that said get a remote mount pacbrake pxrb and you will be happy with it.

 

[Loren]

steved,



My choice has never been very popular, but I don't know why. I got a U. S. Gear exhaust brake for my 1995 truck when it was new. I used it on that truck and later on my 2000 truck until November of 2007 when I wrecked the 2000 truck.



The U. S. Gear unit is controlled and operated by electricity. It uses a large solenoid to open and close a butterfly valve in the exhaust pipe. The solenoid has a pull coil and a hold coil, just like the fuel shutoff solenoid.



Mine always worked well and provided excellent braking. The only time I ever had any problem was when the pivots got stiff from carbon build-up after about seven years of continuous use. I cleaned the carbon myself and it has worked well ever since.



The control was very simple, using a wireless push button that can be mounted almost anywhere. I mounted mine to the gear shifter with black plastic tape. The tape was almost invisible against the black shift lever and the black case.



The wireless button sends a signal to a control box mounted in the cab. I mounted mine to the bottom of the dash, next to the brake controller. The control box signals the relays to open or close the valve.



One installation issue was that it requires a large current to operate. I used 10-gauge wire for the run back to the brake. It also requires an excellent ground.



Another issue is the time delay before it actually engages. I believe that most exhaust brakes use some kind of time delay. I think that's so the turbo can spool down a bit, decreasing the possibility of a turbo stall (where the exhaust air actually flows backwards through the turbine portion of the turbocharger).



I see you are in Pennsylvania. I am about six hours from Pittsburgh. If you want to drive down to southeastern Indiana, I'll sell you my unit and help you install it. The installation is straightforward, but somewhat complicated, with a circuit breaker, two relays, a throttle switch (to prevent a closed exhaust brake with the throttle open), and a controller.



No matter where you get it, you'll like the U. S. Gear unit if you choose that one.



Good luck.

 

[RossCo]

Thanks for the info.



RossCo