Any TC's on 2006 Dodge CDI. looking at exhaust brake

[TCINTN]

After spending so much time in Western states and going up and down so many hills, the T/H on my automatic transmission does not help slow the truck down. Having to use to much brake.
Have been looking at exhaust brakes and was wondering if there are any comments from those who have one on a 5.9 Cummins. And which one is best and cost.
Thanks
Ed

[ScottG]

Reddog1 wrote:
So ScottG, '06 was the first year of the upgrade?

Yes!
Lots of changes including an internal thrust washer and I *think* the addition of the two modes of Tow-Haul; Normal TH and 4th gear lockout.
The best year ever for the 48re.

[Ski_Pro_3]

I have a factory Cummins/Jacobs brand exhaust brake in the box I got off eBay from a RAM dealer on the East coast. I've always meant to install it, but never really felt a need for it. I have a 2006 4x4 crew cab short bed with a Lance camper on it. Weight over 12,000 pounds. But I have a manual transmission and I find downshifting works just fine to control my rate of decent while driving though out the West. I think I paid near $500 for it. Might want to check eBay or dealerships that might still have them in their inventory.
Maybe some day I can talk Reddog into motivating me to install it. Ha!

****EDIT****
Just checked on eBay and this is the same kit I have. This guy is way over priced I'd think, but the kits are still out there.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-Jacobs-Jake-exhaust-brake-Dodge-Ram-2003-2006-Cummins-ISB-5-9-engine-NI...

[Grit_dog]

BD brake on mine. Also been reliable so far. 5 years and only about 60k miles.

[Reddog1]

So ScottG, '06 was the first year of the upgrade?

[sljohnson1938]

i have a 99 Dodge B3500 CTD. i have Banks Diesel tuner and Banks Exhaust brakes.
The diesel tuner is a piece of manure, my mileage dropped 4 MPG, took it off and never did get back to where it was. The Exhaust brakes quit working after a couple of years.
My advice "STAY AWAY FROM BANKS'.

[msiminoff]

I have the PacBrake PRXB on my '05.
Performance is excellent... I seldom need to use the wheel brakes, regardless of the grade.
Cheers
-Mark

[jmckelvy]

I have a Pacbrake PRXB on my 06 RAM. On the 06 it fully integrates with the ECM to control TC lockup and Tow/Haul. Works really well.

I have the one that replaces the cast iron elbow attached to the turbo outlet.

[ScottG]

I've only used the Pac Brake but it seems to work great and has held up well for 12 years of use. We like to camp on the other side of the state so it see's a lot of mountain pass use. Don't even have to touch the service brakes!
I installed it myself and it was easy. The exhaust elbow fit perfectly - a quality part.

I prefer the Pac or any other aftermarket brand over the Jake because of the issues with the Jakes vacuum pump failing. When it does, it can take out the belt and even damage the radiator some times.
If the other brands fail you just lose the EB and nothing else.
If you do go with the Jake, keep the standard belt with you just in case.
You DO NOT need to make any changes to the vehicle for EB use.
No matter how you go, you'll kick yourself for not getting one sooner!!

BTW, your trans and TC are completely up to using a EB. Even the computer was upgraded for it. The auto trans was certified for EB starting with model year 2006 and even kept it's warranty when one was added.
You do NOT need to make any changes to the truck at all.

[Reddog1]

I am not familiar with the Dodge automatic transmissions newer than the 2002, but unless the torque converters and valve bodies have been changed the exhaust brake will not work in the automatic. I has to have the ability to lock the torque converter, which can be done but is very spendy and requires transmission modifications. As I stated, they may have changed the newer truck. I have a custom trans mission in my '96 that allows me to use an exhaust brake.

Wayne

[donn0128]

Been a really long time since this was asked. But Pacbrake as I remember has had positive reviews over the years.