Jim Lane

I was just wondering if any of you out there have any experiences or comments about using a EDDY CURRENT RETARDER on out 1st. gen. trucks. I have seen and used them on big busses and would like to install one on my truck. I have a 727 transmission so I cannot use an E-brake on my truck, I think this setup is actually better than using engine compression to slow you down. My truck is on the heavy side and I do alot of driving, I seem to go through alot of rotors on my truck by warping them eventhough I have the rears as tight as possible and it doesn't take long to get that shudder when you stop.
I have seen the retarders that mount right onto the diff. and though it would not be good for snow or rain neither are E-brakes. It would seem to be an easy install probably about the same as a under/overdrive. What do you think? Here is a link to one brand of unit
Thanks for any input. Jim.
The best of both worlds would to have the retarder and have it sound like a Jake Brake..
Love that sound goin down Cajon Pass with a loaded trailer.
http://www.zelusl.com/

Alec

I think it would be an excellent solution for a truck with an auto transmission. I can't imagine that there would be any air-flow problems, you have a big alternator already (though I think the stock unit could handle the job -- didn't look at all the specs on the retarders, though) and you know how to use them.

It all comes down to how much $$ -- I have seen retarders set up to act as a carrier bearing, or to go right on the back of the transmission (you do not want it hanging on the axle pinion -- adds to un-sprung weight). If you could get the right packaging for the install, it would be slick.

I guess this response would count as general cheerleading -- no substance

John H

Did you notice the weight? If you consider how much torque it has to handle, the 900 newton meter model which will handle up to 750 ft. lbs, is the one for us. However, it weighs 135Kg. That's is 297 lbs. Wow!

John

wannadiesel

That's how much reverse torque it puts out, not the torque it can handle. The 400 n-m unit would be comparable to an exhaust brake. Still a little hefty, but not near so bad.

John H

Where did you get your estimate that the 400 NM unit would be adequate and equal to an exhaust brake? Is that based on just the weight of the truck, or the weight of a truck plus a 5th wheel behind it?

John

wannadiesel

Based on what the retarding power of an exhaust brake is. 190 HP at 3100 RPM is the peak effectiveness of a Pacbrake, that works out to 320 ft#. At lower RPM the exhaust brake does much less.

John H

Thanks for the explanation. I didn't intend for my reply to come over so sharp. Sorry.

John

Alec

I found a link to the CA, USA distributor's site, and they actually suggested that for a 20k lb GCW you should go with the larger unit, which packaged to go in the driveline did weigh in at almost 300 lbs

I might still go for it if I had the $$ and was towing over the mountains. I think it would be much better than an e-brake.