Just wondering if anyone has heard when Dodge is going to offer the exhaust brakes with the 48RE. ???

 

Dodge now requires an exhaust brake when towing 10,000#+ GVWR trailer. One of the reasons for the development of the 48RE was to provide a 2nd gear lockup for towing with automatics. If the written warranty doesn't exclude use of an exhaust brake DC would be unable to deny warranty coverage.

The 2002s and earlier they specifically excluded use of the e-brake with an automatic. This is causing the confusion.

They can't give you a tow rating for 12,000-14,000 with your truckequipped with an automatic, require an 3-brake because you are towing over 10,000# and deny you warranty coverage. To do they would be liable for a huge class action suit.

 

I just checked the Jacobs website www.jakebrake.com and they quote "2003 Dodge Ram Cummins Diesel Exhaust Brake.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Extensive testing has been conducted of the Dodge Ram 48RE automatic transmission with an exhaust brake-equipped Cummins Turbo Diesel. Dodge and Cummins have identified vehicle control system and hardware changes that are necessary before factory approval is given to this application. For this reason, use of any exhaust brake on a 2003 Dodge Ram with an automatic transmission will not be approved.Dodge and Cummins are working to approve the use of an exhaust brake with the 48RE automatic transmission during the 2004 model year. A calibration change, planned to be introduced in January 2004, will allow the use of the Jacobs Exhaust Brake on model year 2004 Dodge Rams equipped with 48RE automatics. These changes will ensure consistent and enhanced braking performance. This calibration will not be applicable to model year 2003 vehicles due to hardware changes that will take place for model year 2004."

 

It seems to me that either Dodge or the aftermarket will have to come up with an "upgrade" kit for the hardware changes or they're going to have a lot of really ******-off 2003 owners. Myself being one of them.

Rob

 

...and it's about time....

http://www.everytime.cummins.com/eve...am_braking.jsp

 

Looks like the 2004 is not covered,
Has to be a 2004.5 or newer.

 

Snip..."Now for the 2006 model year, the Jacobs Exhaust Brake is also available for the Cummins-powered Dodge Ram equipped with an automatic transmission."

Therefore...It's only approved for the 2006 48RE. It's my understanding the "2004.5 - 2006" notation on the cummins/mopar part number section is only stated as it relates to manual transmissions. Not real clear is it?

If it were able to be retrofitted to the 2004.5 or 2005 48RE with DC warranty approval, you would probably see some sort of statement along the lines of: * Requires application of TSB ###. Certainly more than just the exhaust brake would be necessary for ECM re-programming if it were to exist. Seems very unlikely that is going to happen.

 

Can't put one on an '05 48re. Emailed DC and here's what they said:

Dear Jim:

Thank you for your recent email to DaimlerChrysler Motors regarding an exhaust brake for your 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 truck.

It is my understanding that there is an approved exhaust brake for trucks equipped with a manual transmission, but unfortunately not for trucks with automatic transmissions. However, I would recommend you consult your local Dodge dealer for more specific information.

I hope this information proves helpful.

Thank you again for your email.

Sincerely,

Jeff
Senior Staff Representative
DaimlerChrysler Customer Assistance Center
__________________________________________________ _

 

Why not on 05 automatics?
Joe

 

already out mr. Novak...weve done a dozen or so here.....

 

2500WHITERAM, so inform us what you did to make this work with the 05 auto. truck. and retain the warrantee with DC. and what document you use to support this.

 

Yeh, please let us know how it was done. I am very interested.

 

He meant he's already done a bunch of 06's (he didn't read the whole thread).

They would have to develop a calibration for the 05's as they have a differenct electronic architecture with the new CAN bus (over 05's J1850).
It's a matter of how much money they would get from you guys vs. how much the cal would cost to develop.

 

Guys, Get some miles on your trucks 70k or more (so the warranty is finally out of your mind)....get your tranny upgraded and add the exhaust brake of your choice. Jacobs is marketed by Cummins and Dodge dealers that is why they only approve of it. You won't regret it. I got a deal on a pacbrake installed and it was designed to match up with my ATS valve body and Torque converter....Loaded to 33k combined it will hold speed to 65mph on steep long downhills no problem. Cruising in heavy traffic let off and you will maintain smooth speed without having to keep hitting the service brakes. ks

 

How much $$ are we talking for parts and install?