Which is the best exhaust brake?

[Mike Cureton]

I'm writing you all from the USS HARRY S TRUMAN aircraft carrier in the Med.



I'm in the market for an exhaust brake. I'm kinda partial to the Pac Brake.

Who has experience with different types of exhaust brakes and would like to share their opinion?

I'm seeing these advertised for around $900, but I saw it for around $600ish somewhere, can't remember.



Also, has anyone used the Airsep system that eliminates the catch/drain bottle?



Please help,

Mike

 

[klenger]

I don't think that any of these exhaust brakes are going to be much good at stopping an aircraft carrier. I have a Jacobs (Dodge OEM) in my truck and it works fine.



Thanks for serving.

 

[CWade]

I have seen and heard several complaints about pac brakes sticking both on and off. The salesman sold me the Mopar Jacobs brake kit at cost ($675) as part of the deal when I bought my 2001 new a couple years ago. Installation instructions were easy to follow and it works every time. Take care over there.



Charlie

 

[crabman]

Your Money

I have a PacBrake on mine. In over 40k miles, only had to adjust the micro switch. I leave it on all the time and I think it is one of the best items I have put on my truck so far. Having a stick shift with E/B on will make a tremendous difference in forward momentum without using your brakes.

Whichever one you buy, you will wonder why you didn't purchase one sooner.



How are things on the "bird farm"?

 

[RustyJC]

Mike,



I have the Jacobs exhaust brake - we ordered our truck, and the e-brake was dealer-installed before we took delivery. We tow a heavy 5th wheel, so this is one of the best additions we've made to the truck. Not one problem and no maintenance performed on the e-brake to date.



Thank you for stepping up to the line and serving. We truly appreciate your sacrifice.



Rusty

 

[jpolston]

I bought the Jacobs at the Cummins dealer for $545. The directions were great and took ~3 easy hours. Hardest part was finding the ECM the first time and also mounting the on/off switch. Also, thanks for serving and come home safe.

 

[24VChev]

best brake!

I think that the best brake out there is the BD Engine Brake. Works great right down to 1800 rpm. It may cost a little more, but I think that it is worth it.

 

[TowPro]

Re: best brake!

I agree with the BD. When I had one on my 98, I picked the BD because it had the most stopping HP at the lower RPM's. I never drove at 3200 rpm, so I wanted a brake that had the most power at the 2000rpm I drove at. Only had to adjust the micro switch once to get it right. Later I switched it so it would only come on if I hit the brake pedel, but still used the micro switch so if I hit the brake and fuel the same time (to stop tail gaters) the brake would stay off.



Plus if the BD has to much power, you can adjust it. I guess the others may have that adjustment, not sure.



In my research, (and thinking about it after driving the BD) I decided not to use the ECM with its delay to trigger the brake.



When shifting, the Ebrake will slow down the turbo faster then without it. The ECM delay would stop this problem, but you can either not worry about it, or keep you foot on the pedel just enough to keep the brake off. After switching my brake to come on only with the brake lights I never had that problem again.



Just remember to turn it off in the snow, it will slow the engine enough to cause the truck to skid in the snow!

Originally posted by 24VChev

I think that the best brake out there is the BD Engine Brake. Works great right down to 1800 rpm. It may cost a little more, but I think that it is worth it.

 

[AC]

I have the Jacobs and like it alot. I like the one and a half second delay before it kicks on, but which ever you get I recommend you mount an on/off switch on the shifter. I am always using that thing. It's second nature any more. When descending a grade I just flip the switch on and off to adjust my speed. THE BEST bomb to date!! If you decide on the Jacobs, check out the price from Mechanicsville Dodge in Virginia. Great deal





AC

 

[klenger]

http://www.klenger.net/dodge/mechanicsville-dodge.html

 

[Dean Upson]

From the posts, I'd say they are all good. I have had 2 Jacobs (98. 5 & '03) and I have been more than satisfied with them both.



Dean

 

[rweis]

I had an exhaust brake on my B-52 once upon a time, but seems we dropped it on Haiphong Vietnam, made a hell of a bang, seems like our guys on the ground in the "hilton" heard it too. B-52's might be dropping them again, grin.



The old B-52 is like a Cummins, just keeps on plugging away doing it's thing.



Damn GOOD luck, and "GOOD HUNTING"!!!!!!



Get to central florida and we'll find a "hooch" and ring the bell!!!



Bob Weis