jjfay03

Hey there I am new to this forum and also new the diesel truck world. I have a 2007 Dodge 2500 5.9 CTD and I am wanting to get an exhaust brake for it but have no idea about which one? if I should have dealer install it? is it easy enough for a novice mechanic to do? I am towing a 34' fifth wheel, is the reason for getting the brake. Thanks John

AH64ID

Personally I like the OEM one. Brakes good, works well.. endorsed by Cummins.

Fisherguy

There's been lotsa threads about exhaust brakes on here lately, try using the 'search' function, here's a couple:
https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=187117

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=182239


I got my Pac Brake PRXB From Lary of this site, works great, installed it myself, no big deal, just take your time. (Pics in my gallery)

way up north

I've got the Jake OEM on mine. Love it !! Only prob I had was the stalk switch rattling when the truck lugged. Enough to drive you crazy. Dealer replaced it after 4 months use and the second one did the same. Went back and when dealer ordered the a new stalk switch, he was told that the stalk switch had been superceeded by a dash mount switch part #05102082AC . They must have had a lot of complaints about the rattle. The kit recommends mounting on the left of the steering wheel. I said I'de prefer just left of heater control near the stalk. That's where it is installed and I like it.

Gbuilders

I've got the 6.7 with the EB and it works wonderful and has the most horse power braking of the after market ones. But with the 5.9 I think the Pac Brake has the most braking HP by just a little over the Jack Brake or the OEM. I would think that either one would work fine and the other posts agree. You may want to check the prices of the 2 and one thing nice about the Pac is that is has an air tank with it which can help with flats on the road.

AH64ID

Any photos? I have the same issue, but my dad doesn't... not sure which is more common? I really like the shifter switch simplicity with my manual... but the rattle is annoying. I am on my second switch and its quiet, so far

The 6.7 does use an EB like the 5.9 does. The 6.7 EB is a function of the ECVT, the turbo takes such a "bite" out of the exhaust it cant push it, this the braking feature.. .where the 5.9 EB uses a butterfly valve.


Anyone see the new Banks EB... looks like an OEM with Banks on it...

Equalizer 2

Another plus for the PacBrake PRXB is that it operates off compressed air rather than vacum.

I preferred the air over the vacum as I have heard of the vacum lines getting a leak and then having to replace the expensive vacum pump. Of course the electric air compressor can also die but I am pretty sure they are easier to install plus you don't need to buy the expensive fan belt.

Jeff in TD

And the other part of the question: Yes, either pac or Jake can be installed with normal hand tools by a resonably competent hobby type mechanic.

Jake's site has downloadable installation manuals, so you can decide if you want to tackle it.

http://www.jakebrake.com/support/par...obs_product=42

dadwolf2

I installed the PacBrake PRXB. It's a DIY in your driveway job. Had mine for two years and love it.

I tow a heavy 5th wheel and if you drive in the mountains or through some good grades you will really appreciate the exhaust brake.

scootertrash35

dealer charged $1900 for jake ($700 for labor)
bought the 2nd jake used for $400 and installed myself in about 4 hours
have burned up 2 vacuum pumps at $90 each

CD in NM

I installed my PacBrake in about 4-5 hours, easy work, just follow the instructions and you will have one GREAT EHAUST BRAKE on your truck. It's really no more difficult than installing gauges or any of the boxes. Pretty much plug 'n play. Probably the hardest part of the install is the mounting of the compressor, and that's just a slow, tedious tightening down of the bolts, you need a thin wrench, not much room.

Regardless of which brake you choose, you will certainly never want a truck without one. Just a world of difference in braking, hauling down steep grades is just a piece of cake with one, even running empty with the brake on makes for a whole new driving experience, and the best part is not using the service brakes as much.

CD