Exhaust Brake Buying...

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The OP's 2006 Cummins is FULLY exhaust brake ready. Valve springs and trans are built for it with no modifications.

I've had a Pac "brake" for more than 10 years without any issues.

I put a Jacobs on my 03 when it was brand new. It worked well. I did have to replace something (I can't remember what now) when I owned it. Seemed like an expensive fix - something like $800.

Anyway, if you go that route, I suggest you find a Cummins dealer and have them do the work, as it was about half price what the Dodge dealer wanted.

I had a US Gear D-Celerator on a ‘95 F350 and loved it. Never had a problem with it.

In some respects I liked it better than the type of exhaust brake/tow-haul mode on my F450.

:):)

I like the Pacbrake PRXB because it is the one I have. Haven't driven another brand.

Some niggles: The air holding tank bleeds down when parked so the compressor is working at the same time as the grid heater. Not a problem in my mild climate, could be hard on the batteries if really cold. With the Pacbrake on, the torque converter stays locked to lower RPMs and sometimes causes the engine to lug. Downshifts are more abrupt; I mitigate this by using tow haul and throttle position, never happens now. Sometimes, but very seldom, the brake won't actuate. I turn off then on and slight accelerator and it starts working. Pleasant sound lets you know it is working. Deactivates at 24 MPH.

I owned the truck without the Pacbrake. I wouldn't tow in the mountains without it. It activates when cold and at idle to help warm the engine.

I had a PacBrake on my 2001 5 speed manual, getting ready to install one on DD 2004 3500 DRW with auto.

NRALIFR wrote:
I had a US Gear D-Celerator on a ‘95 F350 and loved it. Never had a problem with it.

In some respects I liked it better than the type of exhaust brake/tow-haul mode on my F450.

:):)

Had one on my `99 7.3l and it held back okay. My issue with it was it would not open at times at the bottom of the grade. Had to pull over and wait. A second, larger size brake did the same thing. I eventually traded the truck in so someone else had to deal with it.

NRALIFR wrote:
I had a US Gear D-Celerator on a ‘95 F350 and loved it. Never had a problem with it.

In some respects I liked it better than the type of exhaust brake/tow-haul mode on my F450.

:):)

I installed the US Gear D-Celerator on my 2007 5.9L CTD in 2008.
4" main butterfly with a 2" bypass butterfly that controls back pressure (controls for 59# max back pressure)

It is a simple straight forward control......12V DC HD solenoid with a main circuit board controller.
It 'test cycles' (close/open) when truck key is turned on.

Test Cycle checks function, exercises butterfly valve and limits soot build up

Pressing on accelerator pedal cancels test cycle which may cause problems with sticking butterfly

11 years and it functions great. Use it ALL the time.
Towing and running empty.
Holds 55 mph truck/5th wheel 6% grade (22000K GCVW)

Put a BD brake on about 6 years and 60k ago. No issues, works great.
Compressor works well for airbags and bike tires. Plumbed a valve and air hose into the air line to the brake.

Grit dog wrote:
Put a BD brake on about 6 years and 60k ago. No issues, works great.
Compressor works well for airbags and bike tires. Plumbed a valve and air hose into the air line to the brake.

The PacBrake also come with an On Board Air. With my 2001 5 speed manual, empty I could almost bring the truck to a stop with just the EB, in not much more distance than with service brakes.