My apologies to Admin. if this is in the wrong section.

I am looking at adding an exhaust brake and want to hear from folks who have them on their rigs.

What kind do you have? What do you like about it and what don't you like about it.

Any issues with what you have and who are the best vendors for the product.

Jus Plain

 

Not much response, probably because the issue has been discussed to death previously. Do a search.

I like my PacBrake. Works good with my ATS auto.

 

I love my Pacbrake.....I have the Pacbrake shifter switch too.....Everyone would always say it was the best mod they put on their CTD and after having one for awhile, I would have to agree......some pics of the brake and switch in my gallery. The turbo mounts are simple to install and are fine with a stock turbo but if you are planning on upgrading turbos later, then consider a remote mount 4" brake.

 

I have a Banks Brake & works great. I can come off of most passes without having to use my brakes towing a 12,000 lb 5vr.

 

I have a pac-brake and love it. I have a shifter mounted switch which makes the use of the brake much more user friendly. I also have the 60lb exhaust springs so that the hole in the butterfly for the brake could be plugged which give even more braking power - brake was installed when I purchased the truck, I had local shop install the 60lbers and plug the hole - made a world of difference in the brake performance. She will on wet pavement slow the rear tires enough that they will slide a little so using it in town on fresh rain is sort of neat - the rear end does not slide out from under her because the rear tires are still turning they just are turning a little slower than the pavement is pass by at. I can just about come to a complete stop without having to use the service brakes. Make for pulling the RV much nicer... you won't be dissapointed.

 

I have a PAC brake on mine and it works pretty good. The 60 lb spring sounds like it would improve the performance. Where do you get them?

 

Almost 3 years on my BD brake with zero problems. Gets used everyday of it's life.

 

I have the Banks brake. Would not want to drive my truck without it. I love the stopping power with and without a trailer.

I am curious about a few posts from ya'll that have the shift lever mounted switches. I mounted my switch under the dash, thinking I might move it to the shift lever later if I wanted. Well, the only time I turn mine off is when I am cooling off. And I forget to do that most of the time anyway.

How often are ya'll turning yours off and on?

 

I've got the Jacobs Brake by DC. So far works flawless and I never really use my service brake much anymore.

61K+ on the clock and the brakes shoes look fairly new. I do alot of forestry roads with loads of firewood (1-2 cords of wood depending if trailer included)

It nice to know you brakes are cool and there if you really need them!

 

how does this work? Does your truck just start slowing down as soon as you let off the gas?

 

A couple of seconds after you let off the gas, the butterfly will close off in the exhaust and give you some retarding horsepower.

 

i shut mine off when i see cops or im in a residential area at sleep time and when its cold enough to be icy out. like monday going over crater lake while it was snowing!!

 

I use mine all the time except...

1. In a city that is clearly mark for noise ordinance. "No Jakes Brakes / Exhuast Brakes!" Even though I know it not that loud.

2. Make sure you turn it off in ICY, SNOWY, or MUDDY conditions... It has the capability of locking all four tires in 4 wheel drive mode. ABS module doesn't control the jake either... Another good reason why I relocated the switch on the stick.

Between the service brakes and the jake brake you can stop fairly quick. I've been know to bark the tires coming to a hard stop using the jake.

But yes it a butterfly valve just after the turbo. It will close off the exhaust 2 seconds after you release the thorttle.

It has another good advantage... It will keep your EGT temps up in the winter time so you don't have to worry as much about idling. Also it will help warm the engine quicker...

I got to admit if you coming down a grade with a load and your RPM's are up... Boy it sound good!

 

if you buy a BD brake, or any air operated brake, there is no delay, let off the throttle and it engages right away. If I want to slow down on a hill with a load, I sure don't want to wait 2-3 seconds for it to engage

 

Those guys are using brakes with the ECM/PCM interface that allows for the brake to have a delay so that you can leave it on and shift gears and also so that the cruise control function can control the brake. I chose not to go the interface route and have a manually operated system instead. You are flicking it on and off alot more but it is very easy and convenient with the shifter switch and there is no delay at all.