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jarbra15's avatar
jarbra15
Explorer
Sep 25, 2015

Which Exhaust Brake?

I have a 2001 Dodge Cummins with auto transmission and I want to add an exhaust brake. I would like input as to which brand is the best to go with. I will need it for high Colorado mountain passes pulling about 10,000 lbs.:@

12 Replies

  • Being over weight by about 2000# on GCWR you will definitely benefit from an EB.

    I have a US Gear 'D-Celerator' EB.
    It is as simple as they get. Installs in exhaust just after turbo elbow.
    Uses 12V DC thru a HD solenoid to close 4" butterfly ,,,, has a 2" modulating bypass butterfly to control backpressure.

    Electronic control box installs under dash with an ON/OFF push button that is sticky taped to any spot on dash with a paddle switch on accelerator pedal.

    Turn ON (activates control box) and when you lift foot off accelerator pedal paddle switch makes up....EB closes

    With Tow/Haul mode ON and EB engaged it will hold 45-50 mph on steep grade

    Have read about some problems with it......bushing seizing, EB sticking closed but in 8 yrs. have not had ANY issues. I think some of those issues are do to owners NOT allowing EB to self test.
    When you turn ignition ON the EB will auto cycle .... this helps keep butterfly valve from sooting up and keeps bushing/shaft movement free.
    If you 'blip' the accelerator pedal when you turn ignition ON it will cancel the auto cycle/self test. Do that a lot and soot can build up.

    I let mine do the auto cycle everytime.
    Plus I have EB ON a lot..whether towing or not so it gets used routinely.
  • Whichever brand you go with (Jacobs, BD and PacBrake are a few of your options), you're going to have to make some provision to lock up your torque converter when the exhaust brake is active. Otherwise, you're going to get little or no retarding and high transmission temperatures from the fluid shear in the unlocked converter when the exhaust brake is being used.

    This is the reason that Dodge did not authorize use of the Mopar/Jacobs brake with the 47RE automatic transmissions of the 2nd generation trucks. (Our 2002 3500 dually had the NV5600 6-speed manual transmission - I used the Mopar/Jacobs exhaust brake on it and can recommend it highly.)

    There are various aftermarket sources for the torque converter lockup device you'll need. Check with your e-brake supplier, and they should be able to either supply it or point you to someone who can.

    Rusty