what exhaust brakes you guys prefer & why?

davidaf wrote:
Back when i first bought my truck there wasn't an option available for those with an Auto Trans. Is that still the case? Truck is an 05 5.9 w/ 48RE auto trans. I'm about to go full time and figure the EB would be a nice option.

Adapter required to work on the 05'.

Back when i first bought my truck there wasn't an option available for those with an Auto Trans. Is that still the case? Truck is an 05 5.9 w/ 48RE auto trans. I'm about to go full time and figure the EB would be a nice option.

& I wonder how my 4" Turbo Back exhaust piping will effect things?

From the OP signature it appears to be a 12V 5.9 Cummins. Exhaust springs need to be swapped out. I've been very happy with my air actuated PacBrake on my 06'. Not sure what actually fits the OP rig. Don't forget to upgrade the Governor Spring Kit to at least 3k rpm. It will feel like adding 30-40hp. Easier to rev and maintain speed while shifting. Especially on a hill.

JIMNLIN wrote:


2. All EB have the same max exhaust braking power at max rpm. However due to the way the Pac works it has a bit more braking under 2000 rpm.

^^^ this is why I went with a PacBrake on my 5.9.
It's actually more than just a bit.


The PacBrake and BD are similar designs.
The "Jake", Banks and Cummins are fixed-orifice "standard" designs.


This chart (below) is from PacBrake, but search the Cummins forums and users report the same. Consistent braking at all RPM, versus a significant reduction in braking below redline on a fixed-orifice design.

I like the idea of an air system for many reason & appreciate the reply's.

Thanks.

I had the Jacobs on my '03. It worked great, but if I were to do it again I would go with a PAC brake because of the compressor.

You can't go wrong with either one, and they are worth the cost.

I have had a pac brake on my 05 Dodge for 8 yrs no problems. I like that it runs off an air compressor rather than the serpintine belt. I have a bigger air tank & can air up & down my air bags or use it to air up tires with the connection under the hood.

FYI, I stand corrected... ;)

All I know is, the system I have works really well. Also, sorry for getting off topic, I didn't realize the original question was regarding only the 5.9.

bikerdib wrote:
All I can say is I'm very happy with the factory system on my '13 Ram.

FYI you don't have a exhaust brake on your 6.7 Cummins. The 6.7 engine uses the Holset turbo VGT with a sliding nozzle system that acts like a exhaust brake. This system isn't used or can it be adapted to the 5.9 engine.

The OP has a 5.9 Cummins and it requires a actual "exhaust brake".

I had the Jacobs exhaust brake installed by my Dodge dealer as part of the package deal when I bought my current '03 Dodge. It operates from vacuum which requires a mechanical vacuum pump to be added to a much longer serpentine belt. Works great and no issues so far with 220k on truck.

If I had a 5.9 I would get the Pacbrake for two reasons.
1st.... it works from a electric air pump. Add a tank and air pressure can be used for other purposes.
2. All EB have the same max exhaust braking power at max rpm. However due to the way the Pac works it has a bit more braking under 2000 rpm.

I had a BD exhaust brake on a '96 DRW Cummins with the NV4500 tranny. No issues with it.