Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Yet another exhaust brake question

[DBCooper]

Ok, it's time for the exhaust brake and have some ?s. The smart controller is on it's way, and I would like to get it set up before I go ahead with the brake. My debate is weather or not to go to a brake that requires 60# exhaust springs or to the Pac that doesn't (Thats the only one that I know of that has a model that will work with 30# springs. Please correct me if I'm wrong) Is there that much difference in braking performance between say a Pac brake that is set for 60# springs vs one that is set up for 30# springs? Thanks for any insight.

Dan

 

[illflem]

I personally think it's worth it to change the springs even with a Pac-Brake. Changing the springs out really isn't that hard and you can adjust the valves while your at it. Some of the e-brake makers even provide the springs and compressor with the kit.

 

[DBCooper]

Thanks for the reply, Bill. I agree that common sense would tell us to replace the springs if there is any questions of float. I guess what I really want to know is if there is a real big difference in the two types of brakes. Is one going to slow the truck down that much faster than the other? Since I've never driven a truck with an exhaust brake, I really don't know what to expect.

 

[RON'S RAM]

I have the BD brake with the stock 30 # springs. I use it all the time, and it works great. Had a problem when it was first installed, but I found the problem and now it's fine. Never drove one with the 60 # springs yet, but I have saved enough to have them installed real soon. So if you can't afford the springs at the same time, it does work well without them. Have fun, Ron

 

[DBCooper]

Ron, is your BD set up for max back pressure, or is that adjustable? I really don't know much about these things, so appreciate the help.

 

[LHallmark]

DBCooper

Sorry about that... . hit the wrong key at the right time... ... . or was it the right key at the wrong time.....

Anyway, my BD Brake is adjustable. Usually set about 10-12 lbs backpressure at idle for 30#exhaust springs, set at a max of 25# at idle for 60#exhaust springs. Mine is set at 20# presently and works fine.

 

[RON'S RAM]

Yeah, it's adjustable. Don't worry bout askin questions, that's how I've been learning too. Someone on this site will eventually have the right answer.

 

[BWilson]

The difference in the pacbrake between the 30# springs and the 60# springs is one counter sunk 1/4 inch threaded hole. If you have the 60# springs, you screw the bolt in. If you don't change the springs, you leave the screw out. I put the springs and the screw in right from the get go so I can't tell you how it is without it; however, I can tell you it really stops the truck with it.



One more thing though, the pacbrake uses one or two holes to control back pressure. Because of this the braking power at low RPM's is almost nil. This has never bothered me (I'm not sure that it would be easy to tell) but I can tell you with a straight pipe, the hissing sound of the exhaust blowing through that 1/4 inch hole is annoying. I'm not sure what it sounds like through a muffler but I'll bet it's still there. The BD brake is internally valved in the cylinder and should sound more like a semi jake. If I had to do it over I would buy the BD for that reason alone (another $300 though).



Other than the sound though, my Pacbrake has worked fantastic.

 

[carson6]

the pro's say....

bill k. installed my pac brake and said piers would need to install 60# spring's ... . now it's hang on to your theeth when I hit the pacbrake and the smart controller down shift's from 4th to 3rd:--)