Hello,

Well I'm finally thinking of installing an exhaust brake on my truck,I'm looking for feed back on the best brake and installation tips and tricks.

Thanks in advance.

 

Iam very happy with my Jacobs ex brake Some guys have had problems with the vacumn pumpbut I hav over 220,000 miles and 12 years with out any problems.
Jim O

 

Cool, thanks for the info Jim O

 

Your decision may partly depend on if you can also use the advantages of an "onboard" air compressor, which is necessary for an air actuated exhaust brake like the Pac PXRB. For example, If you go offroad and need to air up/down tires or tow heavy and need to air up airbags or just want a set of train horns for fun (lol) then the benfits of the Pac PXRB increase, as opposed to using the BD or Jacobs oem vacuum powered exhaust brake.

Also note that some of EARLY PXRB had sticking issues and the failure of the Jacobs vacuum pumps on the oem brake as noted above. FYI-- There also myriad threads about who had some installation or operating problems with which brand brake, but do know that ALL of them operate MUCH better then not having one at all!

If you DO decide to use an air powered EB for its added benefits, then you should also consider installing a slightly larger, more robust compressor and tank then the one that comes with the PXRB and consider other compressor mounting options, instead of the engine mounted one, due to increased vibration taking its toll on some of the compressor parts.

Also, if you think that turbo uprgades might be in your trucks future, it will be better for you to choose to go with a "downstream" in line EB as opposed to a turbo back which will only fit your oem turbo. The downstream EB's are still simple to install, and other then the fact they may take a but longer to load the back pressure on the engine, they operate in the same way and with the same braking force.

Just my .02

 

Great information, thank you Seafish. To be honest I would like to stay away from an on board compressor if possible. But a brake that used a compressor wouldn't be a deal breaker for me either.

 

Love my Pacbrake. When towing, I rarely touch my brakes, even with a 13.5K 5th wheel pushing me down 6-7% grades!

Daily driving, I leave it on and it helps big time on brake wear.

I too would recommend a compressor that mounts somewhere other than the engine compartment. I've replaced mine twice in the 150K miles since installed. Fairly easy swap job but about $100 each time.

I also use the air to power my air horns. Gets the attention of knuckleheads who cut me off while towing!

 

Thanks for the reply Brad,
Sounds like the brakes with a compressor are more useful than the vacuum operated ones.

 

FYI-- Pac has a $250 rebate going on the PRXB right now--

http://pacbrake.com/wp-content/uploads/PRXB250.pdf

 

I've had a BD in-line exhaust brake for 8 years with zero issues.

Both the BD and Pacbrake ex brakes are excellent and well worth the money.

If you have any inkling of ever upgrading your turbo, go with an in-line ex brake rather than a turbo mount.

I installed a clutch switch to turn off the ex brake between shifts.
This makes is much quieter and nicer to drive.

 

Great info Stealth, Thanks for all the reply's...

 

My Pacbrake has been operating flawlessly now for many years. It is really nice to be towing a large RV down a steep hill and not have to touch the brakes. Now have just over 150,000 miles on the original rear brakes and believe that is mainly due to the Pacbrake. I also have the Pacbrake shifter mounted on/off switch and use it many times every day.

Of course have on board air. Originally I installed the compressor behind the rear seat, but that was too noisy. Now I have two Viar continuous duty compressors with the associated valves mounted in the box on the back of the truck and can barely hear them. In fact, they are so quiet that I installed a small LED next to the pressure gauge to let me know when they are running. The on board air has been very useful for other things, like the airbags at the rear and for pumping up tires.

 

Great info Mexstan