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Dwight45's avatar
Dwight45
Explorer
May 20, 2015

Aftermarket exhaust (electronic) brake

I'm driving a 07 Duramax Classic that doesn't have the exhaust brake that comes on the newer trucks. I'd like to have one because it seems like we are always crossing the Rockies. I tried the Banks brake but it wouldn't work on our truck, kept throwing codes and randomly shifting into neutral. They refunded the money and generally were good about it. Anybody have any ideas?

Thanks
Dwight
  • I had a US Gear EB on my '95 F350 and really liked it. I liked it more than I like the Tow/Haul setting on my current truck. Any exhaust brake will stick if it just sits there unused, and you get in the habit defeating the close-open-close-open cycle when the truck is started. I used mine all the time, even unloaded, and it worked great.

    :):)
  • Your truck...an 07 Classic should have the LBZ engine. BD Diesel offers an electronic controlled VVT turbo brake for the LBZ and LMM. I have it on my 08 LMM and it works great. Might want to check it out.
  • I installed a US Gear 'decelerator' EB on my '07 RAM CTD

    It is electric operated......large constant duty solenoid controls DC power to HD solenoid on EB.
    That's why I went with it.........all electric. Simple install.

    When switch on dash board is turned ON power os available thru a control module. When I let up on accelerator pedal EB closes 4" butterfly (has a 2" bypass valve that controls backpressure max 50#)

    Truck/14K 5vr in tow/haul mode-------6% grade turn on EB and speed will reduce/hold 45 mph

    Used it on CO Hwy 550........and truck brakes rarely got used except for switchbacks

    Best mod I did to truck.

    NOW some folks have had issues with US Gear EB........bushing galling up----EB sticking (read about)
    BUT mine has been flawless for 8 yrs.

    It will 'test' cycle every time you turn truck key to ON position but can be defeated by quick tap on accelerator pedal.........maybe folks are doing that and then sooting etc can build up.
    I let mine cycle every-time :H
  • While the Ally does a nice job of down shifting, it doesn't provide any brake effect at all. That's why the new ones come with an exhaust brake (of sorts). It is far more effective than the trans alone and you don't have to spin the engine nearly as hard.
    It well worth researching for a workable EB.
  • Yep, that's why I asked for a refund instead of a replacement. My current TH is a triple axle Raptor so its quite a bit heavier than the Attitude we have on order. The transmission brake caused the rpm to go higher than I wanted, that's why I wanted the E brake. Maybe I won't need it for the new one but Id still like to have one.

    Dwight
  • " randomly shifting into neutral" That sounds like fun going down a grade :W
  • Do you use the tow/haul feature on the Allison transmission? It works quite well. I never found a need for an EB pulling my 13,000 load down a 6% grade. Just tap the brakes, let the transmission downshift and I could maintain my set speed easily.