Good Day -

Ok since it's been some time now since 2004 lol.. What are the options for a exhaust brake on a 2004.5 auto. Reliablity and ease of use is key of course.

ps: Truck is stock but am upgrading and looking at the Garrett's Satge 2/3 or a Fleece VNT/packbrake?

ps2: Do like the turbo whistle and singing - wish one that u can hear

Fix exhaust manifold to 3/3 2nd gen fix.
Fass
Goerend trans
CP3 bag of parts

 

I've got the PacBrake PRXB. The brake works very well and my turbo still sings like a bird. I only wish I would have installed it the day I bought the truck. I couldn't live without it.

 

I have been happy with my pacbrake's performance, and I think it is your best option, but its use in conjunction with the '04.5 auto leaves a lot to be desired. You will have to come up with a way to lock up the torque converter before you engage the brake, and be prepared to disengage the brake before unlocking the torque converter, and then unlock the converter before you shift (shifting with the converter locked up hammers the transmission). I have towed heavy a few times on slow & windy roads and the process can be a little consuming, although if towing heavy it is worth the great braking power the pacbrake provides.

Also worth noting, auto transmissions designed for use with exhaust brakes use a thrust bearing somewhere that the stock '04.5 does not have. I have 65k on mine so far without failure, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed...

 

Most of the late 04 models have the changed thrust washer in them so its a good chance yours does. It really was not as serious issue as it was blown up to be.

 

I reccommend the Pac Brake PXRB for your 2004.5, with a Garrett Stage 2 and a ATS 3rd gen exhaust manifold.

The ATS (even the stock 3rd gen) is 3/3, but the ATS fixes the poor flow of the OEM one.



Be advised that the BB turbo's will push a little more oil on a variable oriface exhaust brake like the PXRB. Anytime the backpressure exceeds oil pressure this can happen. Not a big deal, but don't be shocked if you see oil in the intake tube headed towards the intercooler. The non-variable (Jake/Banks) will do it a little but, but no where near as much.