jkoons

Any of you folks who have installed the vacuum operated exhaust brakes,if you had a do over would you install the same or go with an air operated unit? Thanks Jerry

mrclean

I've had a vac-operated PacBrake for 6+ years, always worked well. I'd buy another one. I like the fact that I don't need to plumb an air source to use it.

birddoctor

I've had a Banks brake for 4 yrs.I like it.wouldnt trade it for anything.

carl48

the air work better than the vacuum. it is like night and day between them get a bd or pac

Thundercraft

(read, it's cheaper).

There is a small delay as the vacuum units are a bit slower (we're talking like about a second) to activate, but 99.99% of the time it is not an issue and/or you can compensate for it by activating it sooner.

The other 0.01% of the time, the vacuum brakes is still infinitely better than no exhaust brake.

Would I put in an air operated brake - in a heartbeat if it were the same price or better. If I'm paying, then the vacuum works just fine.

Life is full of compromises and is not perfect.

WestTN

My Jacobs is vacuum operated and has worked perfectly for ten years and 163,500 miles. I don't think I am missing anything by not having air operation.

nkennedy

X3 on a Jacob's brake. I found mine on Ebay brand new kit for $700. Works well, and does what I need it to do. What ever brand you get, put a on/off switch on the shifter. Make driving with it much easier.

totalloser

I am very happy with my BD with shifter toggle and vac op. I did have the vac actuator get sticky and ran some oil into the vac relief and it freed right up. Now the relief keeps my puke bottle empty and no problems since.

As to speed, mine is nearly instant. You cannot count any time before engagement, it is on as soon as you flip the switch. I flip it off between shifts and back on after engaging the clutch.

+1 to the shifter toggle, but only for the stick shift (op is auto).

Busboy

I installed an air operated one on my 2001, I chose air because it gives the on board air which can be used for air bags and tire inflation not to mention a host of other things.

klcammie

i have the vac pac brake with shift toggle. i believe it is the best thing i've done for my truck. i also leave it on except for shifts and don't notice any delay.

Fiftygrit

I have been looking at these for a while, I want a switch on the auto shifter and do not need an air tank, which one would be the best fit and best bang for the buck for my 06, I tow a 36 foot 5th wheel, only around 12k lbs, thanks guys.

carl48

the bd you will like it and easy to install.

Busboy

Talking about delays with a standard trans.. if you let the ECM control the exhaust brake then there is a 3 second delay (to allow for shifting) but if you install the switch on the throttle this activates the exhaust brake immediately when the pedal returns to idle even between shifts, you can over come this by installing the switch on the gear lever to turn it off when changing gears on acceleration.

Busboy

3rd gen uses air only, take a look at the PAC PRXB I would recommend that one.