sandpuller2004

whats the best one to buy? and how easy are they to install? is their much adjustment or would i be better paying some one to install it? whats every ones thoughts?

rattle_rattle

I have the PacBrake. It was easy to install. I now wish that I had got the Banks brake (more expensive). It has more features (like disengaging automatically at idle after the temp comes up) and it has a 4" elbow to a 4" downpipe. My PacBrake has a 3.5". Just a few thoughts.

rharveysr

I love my US Gear D-cellarator! This brake works like a champ. It is also located under the truck away from swirling motion of the exhaust coming out of the turbo..
I have never heard an exhaust brake work like this one. When it shuts ..it sounds like a door being slammed..

Rick

CruisingRam

What is the advantage of a brake for a guy that is not totally into performance but wants a few HP and does alot of med to heavy towing?

BPD239

What ever brake you end up buying I would wire it with the 20 pin on the ECM. I bought a BD exhaust brake and it came with a pile of garbage wiring harness. BD said that it was the new and improved version designed to be used without the microswitch on the fuel pedal. I had to locate wires in a harness on the steering column, and in the fuel injection pump. Putting the brake in tool about an hour. Wiring that garbage into the truck took about 4 hours and in the end I started the truck and the brake moved one time.

I drove to the Cummins service center and purchased a $6.00 pigtail to wire in accessories on the ECM pin. I pulled all of the BD wiring out and wired the brake to pin 20. Now it works perfectly. I can use the cruise control, the brake has a couple of second delay from the time the fuel pedal is let off of to allow you time to shift.

I was towing without it for a while. I picked up my boat and noticed that it was not stopping. The truck was being pushed by the boat instead of the surge brake activating. The dealer found that the brakes had no fluid in the lines. It made me realize that I wanted another way to stop the trailer other than the service brakes. I wouldn't tow without the exhaust brake. Its also nice to warm the truck up with.

With the muffler MIA on the truck its also nice to have the exhaust brake when a smart A$% asks if the truck can get any louder. I pull the switch on...and tell them yes!!!

turbo thom

Sandpuller:
I don't think there is a "best" brake. They all work but in different places. Do you want it on the turbo or in-line. Plus a few other thing to think about, do you have a 4" down pipe or are will you be going with a twin setup someday. The US Gear unit will work with what ever turbo setup you have. In line of a 4" exhuast has no restrictions. If you hang the brake on the turbo, well, where will it go? And like has been said, the US Gear is like shutting a door. When we install twins I am in amazement as to how much the exhaust manifold will take. Just pick up a HX 40 and HB2 as a unit. And that's hanging on 4 bolts off the manifold. That's one strong cast piece. But anyway, I like the de-celerator with the wastegate. It cost a little more but that's the one I decieded to sell in my shop. I like it better than the rest.

..Preston..

KATOOM

Like said before, it personal preference. I'm sure there isnt to many that have tried more than one brand on one truck and if they did it was over a long time span which means they dont know about any new product designs. So saying one is better than the other is a hard question. If there is anything I have heard is they all do the same thing. Do some comparing of your own, like prices, warranty, availabilty, ect. For me I have the Pac and I'm happy. The only thing I can recommend is to make sure it hooks into the ECM #20 pin. This way you stay away from the microswitch that might wear out and the ECM will control everything. There is a couple of draw backs I think to having an exhaust brake. You have to use them all the time or carbon will be its worst enemy, which is the reason for turbo mounted designs. Closer to the heat for less carbon buildup. And they will cause your IAT sensor to get dirty and possibly effect performace and fuel milage. Forget cleaning them since it happens to fast but I have heard of a few relocating the IAT. Not sure how or the results though. The only real truth is once you tow with one you wont without one again.

infidel

I have been very impressed with Pac's customer service. Free replacement parts five years after the install. They really don't have to be so good about it but they are.

duner

hey sandpuller, sounds like we might be into the same hobby, i bought the jacobs, dealer gave me the mechanicsville price, it holds the warrior in my gallery down 6% and so far i really like it. later

sandpuller2004

indeed we are duner, i was toying with the idea of getting a rail, but we like going to the dirt too, so we ride quads toying with idea of getting a jeep or blazer, but my trailer is not quite big enough to fit one.