I know the 03 48re is not made for an exhaust brake due to a thrust washer issue. I now hear that the Banks system has a way to raise the line pressure when the TC is locked and exhaust brake in use therefore saving that thrust washer. Has anyone installed a exhaust brake on an 03 48re with long term good results? Will raising the the line pressure save that washer? I would hate to spend the bucks for the system just to kill the trans.

 

I'm interested in this too. I want an E-Brake but don't want to also have to pull the trans and fix/replace that thrust washer. If not for that issue I would have an e-brake now...

 

The thrust washer is the least of your problems. If you drove it 300-400 miles per day pulling a trailer and using the EB you might start to see some excessive wear on the thrust washer. Long before the thrust washer goes you will have problems with the TC and clutch packs.

There is no magic box that will raise line pressure on a 48RE, its not possible. Line pressure is a function of rpm and pressure relief valve.

On the pre-05 trucks you had to add a TQ-Loc to hold TV pressure up when the EB was applied or it slipped the clutches. Even then, the stock pressures were low enough it was a crap shoot if the clutches held.

 

After checking prices on all that would be needed and looking at potential problems I think I'll just wait till my next truck and stay out of the mountains with the TT.