I am going to have exhaust brakes put on my 97 manual 4x4. The truck is primarily used for hauling two big horses up and down the mountains to the trailheads. I am not a mechanic and do not work on my own truck. My mechanic, who worked for Dodge for many years before joining an independent shop, recommends the brake made by Jacobs, which he says is recommended by Dodge/Cummins for this engine. I don't care as long as it is dependable, effective, and requires minimal understanding, interraction or control by me. Anyone have any good advice about brands, installation or use?

 

I have a "JAKE" brake I like it. It does a great job. It was an option on my truck I believe? I have a sticker near the catalyst sticker that says Cummins Exhaust brake by jacobs and it has the chrysler symbol on the sticker also so maybe cummins recommends it? Anyway the only down side is The loud hissing it does when it is on and you are sitting still. i guess due to the air compressor shutting the valve. It also seams to help warm up the truck faster.

 

A lot of people also seem to like the newer air-operated PacBrakes... My 2500 had an electric PacBrake, but the wiring has come off the throttle-activated switch and since I haven't been doing any towing lately I've been a little too lazy to fix it... but when I've used it its been a good one, I'm sure the air ones are even better.

 

i just installed a pac brake today on my 99. took me a bit over 3 hours. Havent tossed a load behind the truck yet. but works awesome and i am very pleased with it and the ease of useage,... i went with the ecm controlled unit and the shifter switch too.

where are you located?