New Owner here: I want to have an exhaust brake put in my 2003 Ram longbd.quad auto.w. cummins turbo but dont know quality or performance differences between Jacobs, BD or PacBrake products.
Also, who best to install it, e.g. Camp World in Tacoma sells and installs PacBrake for $1750.00 plus torque conv. good deal? I cant install myself due to stroke I had a while back.
Any help u could give would be appreciated!
Mike in Seattle

 

You might check with Joe at Cascade Offroad in Puyallup (253) 840-1171. I think he can help with PacBrake and Banks.

 

Mike, I paid less than $1000 for my pacbrake installed. I helped but its pretty quick to install. You will need a very stout torque converter and the valve body should be modified to handle lock up in at least 3rd and 4th. I can lock up in all gear now and I have the transcommander to control lockup. Did the $1750 include the transmission lock up controller? Without it you will have a good tranny and engine warmer but little braking. ks

 

A PacBrake for a 2003 Dodge sells for about $900. I don't know if you need a controller for your truck, but if you do they sell for about $500. If you are only getting the PacBrake for $1,750, they are charging you about $850 for taxes and installation. That sounds pretty steep. I believe the PakBrake can be installed in 2 to 4 hours. On the other hand, if the $1,750 includes both a PacBrake and Controller, then the parts cost about $1,400 and they are charging you about $350 for taxes and labor. $350 sounds more appropriate, but I don't believe your truck requires a controller. I am not sure but your ECM may include software for an exhaust brake. I would call PacBrake (800-663-0096) to see what parts are required. PacBrake recommends the ATS Commander if you need one. Good luck!

 

He needs the controller to lock up the converter. Without it the exhaust brake is useless.

 

He needs more than that. Early 48REs have a thrust bearing somewhere that cannot support a load in the other direction. '05s and later have an upgraded bidirectional one. There are a few threads here which explain it better.