Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Who runs an inline exhaust brake?

[fyrescott]

Just getting ready to buy an exhaust brake, but have a few questions.



1) If you have an inline, how long have you had it?

2) Is there anymore maintenance compared to a turbo mount?

3) Would you install another inline if you could do it all over again?



Any comment on this topic would be greatly appreciated

 

[24Vpirate]

i have the us gear 4 inch inline and have had it for over a year now and love it. i bought it cause it wont interfer with any turbo mods that may come in the future. low maintenance if ya use it often.

 

[Loren]

fyrescott,



My U. S. Gear exhaust brake was originally installed in my 1995 truck when it was about a year old. I moved it to the 2000 truck when I got that truck.



When it works, it works well.



But...

I have had a LOT of problems with the brake over the years and would not buy this brand again. The repairs have been expensive, but I stuck with U. S. Gear because I already had a big investment in the system.



Several years ago I had a relay fail closed, causing the exhaust brake to open and close on its own due to the automatically-resetting circuit breaker. Just troubleshooting that problem required quite a bit of time. It was fixed at the installing dealer under warranty, but that still required a day of my time plus the three-hour drive each way.



I had a control rod on the brake break when I tried to adjust it after it had corroded. The replacement was costly, and U. S. Gear allowed a very generous trade-in value if I bought a new unit, so I did that. The cost was hundreds of dollars.



Most recently, the main controller for the brake failed. After several phone calls to U. S. Gear, and after changing both relays, they finally admitted that I knew something about what I was talking and sent me the master controller. It was over a hundred dollars.



There is a delay after selecting the brake ON or OFF before the brake actually closes or opens. The new master controller delays even longer than the original one before actuating the brake. It’s probably two seconds from the time I switch the brake to ON before the brake actually closes. The same delay occurs when the brake is selected to OFF. This is more than a nuisance, it’s sometimes a hazard. I don’t know why a delay is programmed at all, unless its to allow time for shifting gears without affecting the position of the brake. I don’t like it, but I can’t change it.



I’d consider a different brand, just because of the costs involved with repairs for the U. S. Gear.



Loren

 

[DHayden]

I have a BD 4" inline that I've had almost a year. I am very pleased thus far and had zero problems with it. I also got it because I planned on doing turbo changes.

 

[Sticks]

Originally posted by Loren



There is a delay after selecting the brake ON or OFF before the brake actually closes or opens. The new master controller delays even longer than the original one before actuating the brake. It’s probably two seconds from the time I switch the brake to ON before the brake actually closes. The same delay occurs when the brake is selected to OFF. This is more than a nuisance, it’s sometimes a hazard. I don’t know why a delay is programmed at all, unless its to allow time for shifting gears without affecting the position of the brake. I don’t like it, but I can’t change it.



I’d consider a different brand, just because of the costs involved with repairs for the U. S. Gear.



Loren

Loren,



Sorry to hear of your troubles with your USG. I have one of their original superduty models (old controller and wireless remote on-off). There is a way you can bypass the controller and have instant open/close, thought I am not sure I would advise it unless you get at least a half a second delay worked in. PM me if you are interested.



USG is helpful in answering questions, but my experience has taught me that they have no desire to meet/work with anyone on the repair/replacement part cost. I was quoted $324 for a replacement solenoid, and the same $ as you for a replacement control box. I got the unit second hand, and no installation instructions. No-one at USG remembered how it was wired, so their solution was upgrade to current model. Took them two weeks to find the original model instructions after I said "No way am I spending that much more than I have already"



I have had a few problems with mine as well, but all mine were self inflicted. I did not like the supplied throttle switch so I made my own, and I also wanted one on the clutch. I have also installed a momentary on switch on my shifter so I can activate the e-brake at will when coasting (city traffic, and downhill runs with no load).



IMO, the in line is a better choice to go with.

1. If you go to a larger turbo, you don't have to replace the e-brake.



2. One less thing under the hood to deal with.



3. Less weight hanging directly off the exhaust manifold.



If you go with an in line, get the largest (4" at least) opening that you can.

 

[Doubleclutch]

Same as Mr. Hayden. Got an H2E turbo with 4" exhaust. Only brake option was inline. Went with BD because I like their attitude, and one was readily available. Flawless performance for the year it's been installed. Had a Pacbrake on the old turbo and could find no fault with it. BD/Pacbrake are both OKAY by me!

I've recently read that an inline brake provides less restriction when not in operation. Sure couldn't prove it by me.

Greg

 

[ktimmer]

Installed new pac brake over 2 years ago. Works great and have never had one problem. I do not use it every day but at least once a week. Very easy install. Good luck.