Does anyone know of a website that did a comparison between the different brands of exhaust brakes? I know that the Jacobs is the only one approved by DC -- any of the others and you run the risk of voiding warranty -- but I have heard some complain that the Jake is only really effective at the higher end of the RPM range while others are more effective across the RPM band. I like the looks of the PacBrake install as well -- seems less intrusive than the wire hoooked to the 1970's pull switch that comes with the Jake.

Thanks.

 

Check out the in-line "e-brake" by US Gear. I had this on my '03 and it was effective across the RPM band because it can close off the exhaust completely and uses a wastgate approach to limit max backpressure - I'm going to install it on the '05 once I get some time.

 

The Jacobs and standard Pacbrake should be very similar as they are both a fixed orifice type of brake. This means there is a hole or preset gap that is sized to not exceed the max backpressure allowed by cummins (60psi I believe). Of course that means the max pressure doesn't occur until high in the rpm range. (as a side note - it also means that the maximum retarding power of any of these brakes should be effectively the same). The new pacbrake PRXB, the US gear, and I think the BD? close off more fully at low speeds and then have a wastegate effect to limit the max backpressure. I recently switched from a standard pacbrake to a PRXB and the difference is very noticable in the lower (1000-2000rpm) range.

I prefer the direct mount type mainly for the reason that it is an easy bolt in (just replacing the stock cast elbow).

Mathew

 

DC cant void the warranty on a pacbrake they was installing them when the jacobs was put on hold.We have both pac and jacobs one on 04.5 and one on the 05 and the pac holds better.plus the pac shuts off automatic when you stop.

 

The Jacobs brake will shut off automatically when you stop too. As long as the truck has reached normal operating temps, it will shut off. If the engine is cold, it will remain on and help with the warmup. I do agree that the Jake works better at a high RPM rather than lower ones. The reason I got the Jake was that it only cost me (I believe) around $385 installed with the Dodge commercial discount back at the end of '03. I'm sure there are better ones out there but for my need and the price, it couldn't be beat.

 

Boy , found out real quick that the Jacobs on my truck will lock up the rear tires on the gravel roads getting to my place. I keep it under 2000 rpm on gravel. Had a pacbrake on my '01 . Like the Jacobs better..............JIM

 

I had the Pac Brake on my 95 and have the Jake on my 04.5 and can't tell the difference. They both work!