What Exhaust Brake do you use, how much and...

[CoreyPerez]

I've heard people talk about the remote brake, and I understand the description, but does anybody have a picture of one? I'm curious where its located, and if there are any reasons to just NOT go with a remote unit vs. a direct bolt on. It just seems like I'd do a remote just because of the options. I don't really plan to do a turbo upgrade, but then again, this truck doesn't have 700 miles on it yet, so time will tell.



Here is a good question. Which mounting location offers a easier maint. of the EB?



Thanks again!



Corey

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

The brake itself is pretty much a no maintenance item. Mine has been on for three years and the only part that I've had to maintain is the vacuum switch (as said above). Main plus for the remote mount is that you can go to any turbo and downpipe combination with one. The disadvantages (as I see it) are that it will react a little slower because you need to build pressure in that section of pipe (may not be a big deal at all). You'd have more chances of having a leak, thus reducing it's effectiveness. The biggest one for me though is exposure to road salt and corrosion. I like in Michigan where they salt the roads heavily and that salt gets on and in everything. A remote mount brake wouldn't last one year up here IMO so that's why I went with a turbo mounted one. That said, it has limited my turbo options significantly.

 

[Pat@BD]

The main difference between BD, Pac and Banks is the way that excess backpressure is regulated. Both Pac and Banks drill holes in the butterfly valves to relieve excess backpressure. At lower rpms what happens is alot of the exhaust just flows through the hole dropping the braking efficiency. At 26-2700 rpm is where they start to work well. (take a look at any banks chart what the rpm range is) The BD brake uses a variable oraface in the vaccume cylinder. This allows us to use a solid butterfly valve. When 60psi of backpressure is achieved the excess pressure pushes the valve open relieving the excess pressure. When it drops back below 60psi the valve closes. What this does for you is gives you the most efficient braking at lower rpms. The brake is designed to have great braking at 18-2200 rpm. The others dont work well until higher rpms. That is the big difference.

 

[SlyBones]

I'll try and get a pic of my installation. I like very much the way Al and/or Piers did the install. From what I have been told, I believe the BD remote mounts are holding up to wet and winter weather, at least here in the PNW anyways.

 

[CoreyPerez]

There is a guy in my area that sells BD. As soon as I get up with him, I'll find out what his price is. Depending on what I can get a BD for, I'll go for that one I believe. Other than that, the Pac is my 1st chioce because of the price.





I'll keep you posted with any information I obtain.



Thanks,



Corey

 

[jthorpe]

Originally posted by RCone

I've had 2 PacBrakes. I like em. I also notice that most responding are running manual trannys. Well, I have used it on 2 automatics. I do run an AutoLoc tho. There are those who say it doesn't work well on an auto. I will say that I wouldn't be without it when towing my 8500# (MT weight) 5ver. Just MHO.

I think it works great on my auto. I had my pac-brake installed the same time I did the ATS transmission and it's been great. There is a huge difference and the controller shuts off the brake when the TC unlocks, depending on what speed I have it set at. Now that I have the setup, I wouldn't ever be without it.



Jack

 

[GiesJ]

Corey-

you decide on a brake yet?

keep us posted...

J

 

[Deezul1]

If you decide to go remote mount for later exhaust up grades, remember that its 3" pipe on stockers (unless they changed it on 03) and if you upgrade it will be to 4" or bigger so get a 4" brake and neck it down for your current pipe. The only thing I know about the Jacobe E Brake is the electrical switch is about $125. 00 to replace and the BD switch is about $10. 00. The BD brake is my choice for braking power and quality. If you want a BD, shop around and get a good price, the deals are out there if you look.

 

[CoreyPerez]

I just got my BD the other day, and it should be going in this weekend. I just found out that I have to work tomorrow (saturday) & late today. Isn't the military grand! 3 minutes before walking out...



"You get to work late today & come in tomorrow for a full day. See ya at 0700"

 

[Turbo Horseman]

Assuming OEM means the Jacobs brake, that's what I use and voted for. Good price and good install that's covered by warranty.

 

[CoreyPerez]

Brake adjustment

Hey BD owners, I've got a question for you.



I installed my brake last night and attempted to adjust it. When I first started using it, it built just about 10psi (used a tire gauge on a hose screwed into the test port.



My question is, how the heck do you adjust this thing? The instructions are very cheesy, and lack any real descriptions. All it says is "adjust for pressure" Um, not to sound like an idiot, but I tried to turn the "shaft" on the Brake unit, I unbolted the top bolt on the top of the valve unit and attempted to advance the valve, and nothing really worked. I did gain about 3 more psi by doing the valve option. Also, with the 24v can this be adjusted to the full 60psi? I don't think I would want to, just curious.



Also, are there any provisions for a clutch override? My example is, when I'm shifting, I take my foot off the throttle, the exhaust brake engages and I'm shifting, and when I put it in gear, the truck gets a "little bucky"



Thanks,



Corey

 

[Pat@BD]

Corey,



The way to adjust the brake is on the shaft going into the vaccume cylinder there is a locking nut. Undo that and rotate the shaft into the cylinder. This will bring the pressure up. On a new install set the pressure at about 20psi at idle. You will need to check it again in about 2 weeks. The pressure then should be around 24-25psi at idle. You dont want to set the brake at 60psi at idle, first because it wont, and second 60psi is the maximum that brake will build. Past that the brake opens to relieve the excess pressure. As for the exhaust brake coming on when you are shifting, alot of people use the shifter mounted switch to turn the brake on and off when shifting. They are just under $40. Give us a call and we can get you set up with one. If you have any questions or problems give us a call at 1-800-887-5030