I have a 2004.5 Dodge Ram 3500 with the 5.9 HO, auto with a built trans w/triple disc converter. I've been wondering about exhaust brakes since I bought a decent size travel trailer and everything I've heard is that diesels don't engine brake like gassers so if I do any steep downhill grades the exhaust brake (or some form of) might be the ticket.

Do all aftermarket exhaust brakes need to be activated (turned on and off) or do any of them work automatically on deceleration? I know there are a number of choices (and some are not true exhaust brakes, like Jake brakes or decelerators) but, generally, where do they sit on the engine? If I were to look under the hood of a truck that had an aftermarket exhaust brake, where would I find it?

Not sure if I'm going to go this way or not. My understanding is that they are not cheap but I want to learn a bit about them and make a somewhat informed choice.

Thanks.

 

Jacobs makes the "load leash" engine brake system. I've only seen it in ads in magazines, but it looks like it works the same as a Jake brake on a big truck. Installs in the valve train.
My buddy somehow made an exhaust brake set up work on his 01. I can find out how he did it and see if he has pics if you want.
http://long75paint.bookspast.org/min...al_ehftqgr.pdf
Here's a link I found to a pdf about the cummins pacbrake

 

The "Load Leash" is for 6.7 engines, not ours. I ordered mine new with a "Jake" brand exhaust brake. It worked well until the vacuum pump quit working at about 70K miles. I replaced it with a Pac brake which is air activated. At about 95K miles I started having problems with the solenoid activator and replaced it at about 98K.
The brakes were pretty comparable in function. I had a BD brake on my '98 also.
In my opinion, regardless of the brand you buy you WILL be happy having an exhaust brake if you tow almost anything at all, or even if you don't tow. I LOVE having one.

PS- I still have the Jake I took off my '06 in a box and will sell fairly cheap. It would need at least a diaphragm, if not the pump, to make it work and I'm not positive it would fit your '04

 

I too have the Pac brake system on mine. I purchased it because I was hauling a horse trailer that came in at about 12k pounds loaded. I have also had issues with it, but its over 5 years old. I did have to buy the solenoid as well and rebuilt the compressor. We have since bought a 5th wheel that weights 10k and I could not see myself without the braking assist. Sometimes I dont even have to get on the brakes to slow down if I time it perfect. Saves my brakes.

 

I've had a BD exhaust brake for over 8 years with zero issues with it.

Exhaust brakes are pricey and worth every penny spent. Both the BD and Pacbrakes are excellent units. I would not recommend the Jacobs or Banks ex brakes.

Read the BD and Pacbrake websites top to bottom and make a decision.


With your 11+ year old truck with an auto trans, I would strongly recommend that you have the trans yanked and gone thru before installing an ex brake.

 

The turbo mount brakes are on the turbo exhaust side... They replace the cast iron elbow on the exhaust outlet. I used the Pac inline and its under the floor board beside the transmission. I can use the inline with any turbo I want. The control wire goes thru the ecm so the brake won't engage if the cruise is on or if there's any fueling. I mounted an on-off switch on the shifter. I can leave the switch on if I want and the brake will be automatic but it will always be on at idle. It works very well! I can go down to Dillon from the tunnel with my 5 er in 5 th gear and hardly touch the brakes. Craig

 

BD exh brake for 7 years AND it works great. Brake makes a big difference pulling a 12k 5er(or make that being pushed) down a steep grade.
A good addition to an RVers life.