Which exhaust brake?

[YOOPERVIC]

I'm about to have an exhaust brake installed in my new SLT 3500, DRW, six-speed manual. I have had a '95, '98 and '01 Cummins prior to this one and have had the Jacobs in each of them. Been happy with them, but am curious about the others. Anyone have info on how the others work and why they may be better? Appreciate your advice.

 

[PCarbonaro]

I have a PacBrake, and I like it, but I would be interested in trying other brands that give more engine retard at lower rpms. My brake needs fairly high rpms to get good engine braking.

 

[DCaswell]

They all need rpm to generate compression, I also am happy with pac brake, especially the fact that I did not need to add another pulley & different size serpentine belt. The compressor mounted on the firewall with existing holes & was an easy install.

 

[ramtifosi]

Really like my BD Exhaust Brake, easy to install, seems to work better at low rpms than most due to design of butterfly, offset with no holes. Costs a little more but you get what you pay for! Now at 20,000 miles with it and no problems.

 

[rweis]

I have a remote USG and like it. They use a butterfly bypass system. I did put it on a toggle switch rather than the microswitch though (was a pita to keep adjusted).



Bob Weis

 

[RW]

i am very please with my bd. the only negative was the install instructions, they lacked some info. i use my brake allot to get me down the mountains in utah. when not towing i don't have to touch my brake pedal most of the time.

 

[GFrance]

I have had a banks brake on my 2001. 5 since new & wouldn't be without it. Works flawlesly & will hold my 12,000lb 5vr back on all the grades I've come down here in Oregon. I havn't put it to the test yet on the Rockies. I know the butterfly is a bit larger than some of the other brakes I looked at.

 

[Cattletrkr]

Jake on last truck, BD on this one. I liked the Jake, just wanted to try something different. $$was the same or less for BD compared to Jake. The Jake's have really jumpd since I put one in the '01. Don't know which is better. Liked the Jake, Like the BD. PacBrake is cheaper, dunno why. I do know that I'll never have another truck w/o one unless I go auto (heaven forbid).

 

[Oakwood]

PacBrake does it for me. Thought I would just weigh in on this. Reasons in my decision: 1. ) Not being belt driven means you never have to worry about the tensioner or its bearings or the belt, etc. (By the way, just what does happen when you blow off the belt on the OP's e-brakes when you're on a four mile long, 6% downgrade?) 2. ) The fact that PacBrake only makes exhaust brakes and the owners hold a bunch of patents on them as least says to me that they're 'into' the subject matter of braking. 3. ) My baby Cummins is the smallest e-brake PacBrake makes... they also stop the big ones.

Having said all this, I have never had experience with the OP e-brakes. And

they replaced the firewall mounted air compressor with a new one mounted on top of the engine... (barely audible, now) ... free! (I did agree to buy an air tank from them. )

In short, I'm very happy. Get the on-off button on the shifter. Worth it.

 

[Loren]

YOOPERVIC,



I have had several reliability issues with my US Gear exhaust brake in the eight years I have had it. When it works, it's an excellent unit, but if it fails to work when you are counting on it, look out.



I'd choose a different brand.



Loren

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

I swear by the BD Remote 4" I have on the truck (Mine is Vacuum actuated) and has been great! The A#1 use for me is warmup in the A. M Via Remote start. Braking is amazing even in the lower rpm's. I have seen some brakes that stick when the shaft soots up. This one I can honestly say I have been VERY lax on maintenance. I have left mine on for countless hours once when it was -26* ambient degrees outside and she snaped off with NO issues. I HAVE however had ONE instance where the vacuum diverter solonoid has stuck but have scince remedied that with WD40 inside the unit. I chose the 4" remote as I can still use it with pretty much ANY turbo being it is mounted remotely under the truck. Oddly I swear that it provides MORE braking than a turbo mount but that may be far fetched.





For the third gens (which I can only assume being you said new truck) is:

BD-Power's Brake Page

2023139 2004. 5-up Turbo Mount Air kit

1027338 2004. 5-up Remote Air

2023138 2003-2004 Turbo Mount Air kit

1027139 2003-2004 Remote 4" Air





<hr>

Gong to move this to engine accy's for a bit more exposure - TMTT

<hr>

 

[JAlmon]

exhaust brake

I compared them all---I went with the banks on my 2000, 3500, 6 spd. It even inproved my mileage --- Has a large smooth bend that connects to the turbo housing.

 

[rweis]

I run the air version of the USG and have never had a problem. You put 60 psi to a ram cylinder and it WILL actuate.



Bob Weis

 

[BradHansen]

PacBrake, works great.

 

[Regcabguy]

Exhaust Brake

Pakbrake. Works super for me. Oo.

 

[crabman]

Any Exhaust Brake

Any brand of exhaust brake is better than no exhaust brake!!

It is one of the best bombs I have done, along with the on/off switch on the shifter.

I have a Pacbrake and have been happy with its performance.

crabman

 

[BigMike]

80,000 miles on my BD. I love it. Have no idea how it compares to others. Only one I've ever had.

 

[Radshooter]

I went with the Jacob's. Made by Cummins for Cummins. No warranty issues. Works great with my 16,800 lb. fiver. I just came off Raton Pass in 4th gear with it. Never got over 40 mph and never used the truck or trailer brakes.