Now that the differential cover is on, the next modification I want to make is the installation of a Jacobs E-Brake. Had I known that I could have bought the truck with it installed, I would have. That being said, who has one on an 06 with the 48RE? How do you like it? Was it factory installed, dealer installed, self installed? How well does it work? Would you spend the money again for it?
For those of you that did the install yourselves, did you check to make sure its "warranty approved", how was the install procedure?
With the towing I do, and the amount of brake dust I'm already seeing, I think it would pay for inself over the life of the truck......
Any info, comments, suggestions would be greatly appreciated, Thanks! PMC

 

I had they dealer install my Jake on my '06 with 48RE. I could have done it myself much cheaper but decided to just include it in the price of the truck. I had a BD ex brake in my '98 before this. They seem comparable in effectiveness. I tow about 70% of my miles and would hate to have to go without the exhaust brake now. It doesn't eliminate use of service brakes but lessens the need for them. Once you tow with one, I doubt you'll go back regardless of cost.

Dan

 

i had the dealer install mine also and i love the feature. it only carries the 3/36 warranty as the truck. if i were to do it again, i would probably go with the pacbrake....ive been running it for 15k miles and have had zero problems...if you install it yourself, even if bought from dodge, i was told the warranty wouldnt be good...they sent off my paper work to DC on mine

brett

 

I had the dealer install a Jake brake on my 2007 as part of the sale and I am really pleased with how it performs. I have extended warranty on the truck (5yrs) and that covers the Jake too. Definitely worth the money... wouldn't tow without it.

2007 quad cab 3500, 48re, Jacobs-brake.

P.S. Sounds cool too

 

I love they way they sound, was just talking about getting one this last weekend, going on a long trip Labor Day with lots of hills! Engine Brake would be nice to have.

 

One consideration that made me choose the BD Brake (I have an inline rather than turbo mount) over the Jacobs is aftermarket turbo's. If you want to put on a Jacobs brake, your pretty much going to be stuck with the stock turbo.

 

Thats the problem i'm having.... I just really don't trust the parts changers at the local dealership with my truck. I guess I may be somewhat of a perfectionists, I want the clamps all turned the same way, AND TIGHTENED UP!. I keep thinking,"Nobody cares about your vehicle like YOU do!"
Guess I need to do some calling around and see if it can be "warranty approved" if I install it myself. I work on big Caterpillars for a living, surely I can install an exhaust brake right???

 

I ordered mine with the truck. It was shipped with the truck and installed at the dealer. No problems at 34K. I tow a 5800# TT through the mountains and wouldn't want to do that without it. Well worth the $.

 

I have one, self installed when new. It works well, it will hold a gross combined weight of 22K lbs. on a 6% grade in 3rd gear. I never asked at the dealership about warranty. Install procedure is not too bad at all. An extra set of hands when putting the brake onto the turbo is helpful, other than that it is bolting on a vacuum pump and running some lines and wires. It is a real nice addition for towing, but I use mine all the time, even when empty.

 

I factory ordered my '06 with the Jacobs brake, because of the 3/36000 warranty. However, the Jacobs brakes cannot be added when your truck is "made". They are dealer installed, no matter if your truck is new or used.

Are you set on the Jacobs? If I had to do over, I'd definately look at the Pac Brake instead. MANY people, including myself, have had alot of problems with the vacuum pump used with the Jacobs brake.

Mine went out as I was heading out for vacation. When it locked up, it took out the serpentine belt, belt tensioner, fan shroud, etc, and the belt tensioner ended up in my radiator. All of this at 35,975 miles...needless to say, vacation ruined.

Something to consider... --Eric

 

wow! talk about prefect timing! my luck it wouldve been at 36,001 miles and wouldve ruined the motor, send the tensioner thru the hood and winshield knocking me unconcious, then the heater core would dump lots of hot coolant onto my nap causing me to suddenly come concious just in time to be t-boned by a prius! topped off with some bird poop in my mouth as i sat there wondering what just happened!!

brett

 

HAHAHAHAHA.... Must be something in the hot air here in Texas, That sounds like MY luck!!

 

I purchased my Jacobs Brake new in box on E-Bay for $688.00 plus shipping (30 bucks I think) and installed it myself.....It was not too bad of an install...took a little patience to get the E-brake installed without gouging up the gasket. Once that was in, it was just a matter of running wires and hoses and making the connections.....the pump bolted right up with no problem.....Putting on the new belt was a bit of pain.

I thought I was the only one that was that **** about things LOL - all of my clamps, connections, etc are turned the same way so they look good. Even bought wire loom and routed it "just so" to make it look clean.

It is really nice going downhill without touching the brakes - I think it will add probably 50% more life to the brake pads if not more

I have about 10,000 miles on the brake and have not had any issues......

OK to answer your questions
1) yes I like it a lot
2) self installed - about 5 hours being **** lol
3) it works perfectly
4) yes I would buy it again
5) didn't check on the warranty - kept receipts just in case
6) install not bad
7) if towing you will really, really like it

Good Luck

 

jacobs exhaust told my dealer tech, that the gasket wasnt needed! i tore mine up when i installed it, got mad and took it to the dealer. before i went i ordered a new gasket to the tune of $55 which is still sitting in my toolbox!

brett

 

My Jacobs was installed when I saw the truck on the lot, and choosing that particular truck was probably the smartest thing I've ever done. I pull my 28' TH almost twice a month up and down the grapvine and I dont know I ever got along without an exhaust brake. I have over 38,000 on the truck now and have never had a problem with it, and I use it alomst constantly especially in the slow and go traffic I drive in daily. I've heard good things about Pac Brake's unit as well I guess it come down to personal preference.