I've been reading what I could find on this and I'm hoping someone can shed some light.

Can I put an exhaust brake on an 04 2500 with the 4sp auto trans (48RE)? Are there several brands OK'd by DC for use (eg no warranty issues)? I followed one thread to a site that had a PACBrake for $885 and the promise I could install it myself in an hour. I wasn't sure if this product was actually OK for my truck (or if the 1hr promise was accurate). Just wondering. Would I also need a switch to lock up the TC so it would work?

When (if) I get this gadget, exactly how is it driven? Just anticipate hills or need to decelerate and switch it on? Do you manually shift the auto trans down or up to keep revs at some target?

 

No exhaust is approved for your truck yet. The rumor is
2500/3500 with the 48RE built after sometime in January
will be compatable and approved (Jacabs) for an exhaust
brake. I purchased a 03 2500 with the 48RE and I was told
"oh yeah" you can have a Jacabs exhaust brake installed !!

2 weeks after I purchased the truck I was informed this was
not the case...You can install one but if there are problems
that affect the transmission your 7/70 on the trans goes
out the window...I'm waiting to see what happens with
Dodge and a fix for the 2003 and early 2004 folks first

 

The literature from DC (new product info) we received prior to the release of the 48re stated in black and white that it would be exhaust brake capable. Guess they got cold feet on it.

 

I have the same copy from DC...Its states it compatable
with a "Mopar released exhaust brake"...they never tested
it first...I dont want to buy another truck just to maintain
my 7/70 and enjoy a exhaust brake.

Sure hope they come up with a fix soon !!

 

48RE Info:

"With 40 plus modified or new parts, this new auto tranny has 32% more torque in overdrive. Gear-train was upgraded with 6 additional pinion gears in each planetary gear set. Part of the design was to increase the durability to 150,000 miles. Major changes were made to the pump, valve body, friction material, gear train and park system.

The diesel pump has 20% higher capacity for adequate cooler flow. The addition of a seal ring to the reaction shaft allows the TC increased capacity for clutch engagement. The impeller hub on the torque converter is machined to accommodate the seal ring

The valve body provides increased line pressure in 3rd and 4th and during TCC operation, and allows the ability to engage the converter clutch in manual second gear for greater towing performance. The valve body also permits TCC engagement in drive-2nd gear for cooling protection, if the sump temp goes over 220 degrees. This may result in a change in shift quality, however.

The direct clutch in the 48RE's overdrive unit has 23 all new discs with friction material on one side only. The four-disc rear-clutch pack has been improved for greater durability. One disc was added to the front clutch for increased reverse torque capacity, and the overdrive clutch has five discs for non-HO and six for HO.

The kickdown band lever ratio has also been increased. The entire geartrain assembly is new, and all planetary gear sets and the overdrive carrier have a six pinion design. The front and rear carriers are made of cast iron, while the overdrive carrier is made of powdered metal.

The 48RE's drive shell is thicker for heavy duty reverse operation, and greater durability, and includes new thrust washers. To deal with higher vehicle weights, the park system has been enhanced with a new rod and wider park pawl. 2WD extension housing is designed to work with larger slip yolk. Unlike previous automatic transmissions, the 48RE allows the use of an exhaust brake, too. This transmission has the electronic controls to allow more applications."