I justed picked up my new 2500 HO CTD, AT, 4x4, SB, QC.
Who here has installed there own e-brake ona new Ram.
Dealer told me JacBrake is what Mopar installs. The dealer
also told me the front fender needs to be removed during
installation. They also want $1700 to install it. I was
considering installing it myself and wondered how easy it
is to install and how long should I expect to do it myself.

Options on price, installation, and manufacturers would be
greatly appreciated.

Also, how long does it take to break in this CTS ?

Thank you, 03CTSCO

 

Go to the home page and read about a blow for blow story of a Pac installation. Think you can also see a video of an istallation on the Pac web site. No fendors have to come off. $1700 installation is a rip off. Even if it were $700 it would be way too much.

 

I have one on mine (the Jacobs variety that you get from the dealer). I installed it myself in less than four hours. Without a doubt it came with the best set of instructions I have ever seen with an automotive accessory. If you are even moderately mechanically inclined and patient, you can handle this install. Don't sweat taking off the fender liners, it takes longer to remove the wheels. Make sure you have all of the tools listed in the instructions before you start because you will need them. Even if the 1,700 the dealer quoted you includes the e-brake, it is still a rip off.

 

Just noticed that it looks like you have an auto tranny. If so, no Jacobs e-brake is available for your truck. You will have to try another brand.

 

Nevada
Why isn't Jacobs available for the auto tranny ?
Dealer told me he would install a Jacobs on my new
truck !...Was he misinformed ?...Do I need to go with
a Pac set-up ?
Thx for the responses
03CTDCO

 

Exhaust brakes are normally for manual transmissions. They can be put on autos (not sure which tranny you have), but an auto will normally require an upgraded valve body and smart controller. DTT will be able to give you better and more accurate details than I can:

http://www.dieseltrans.com/smartcontroller.htm

 

I researched the new 48RE trans...The 48RE is able
to lock up the TQ in 2nd and 3rd gear. The exhaust
brake will work fine as long as the TQ is locked up.
Dont need a smart controller anymore.

Thanks for all the help

Regards, 03CTSCO

 

k...I guess I should have made sure I knew what I was talking about before replying.... ;D

Hope you can make it work.....the Jake is awesome, especially if you do any towing. BTW, $1700 is WAY too much to install it..if someone that isnt a mechanic can install a brake in 4 hours - I think they are asking far too much for the install. Good luck.

 

I did mine in about 3 or 4 hours. Easy job. Hardest part was routing the wiring for the shifter ****. Works excellent. Just have beer on hand for the job. Also the fanbelt was a bit of a PITA as I remember.

 

Spots, thanks for the reply
Whoa !!...why do you need to remove any of the belts ?
Did you install a Jacobs or Pac ?...How much, and where
did you buy it ? Where does th eair compressor mount ?

I decided I'm installing it myself and saving some money
What special tools did you have to buy or need

Thx, 03CTDCO

 

I have noticed that everybody is talking about either a Jake or a Pac. Why not a US Gear brake? Don't they work at lower RPM's and have other advantages?
Opinions please, and pro's and con's.

 

Mexstan,

The U.S. gear brake are supposed to be awesome. Most people probably dont mention them as they are not too common and I believe they are slightly more money than the Jake ($1500 Can). A relative sells heavy truck parts and was telling me how good they are - also, I have a diesel acquaintance in Calgary that's running one. He raved about how well it worked. The good thing about them is that they have their own waste gate, so you dont have to depend on the wastegate on your turbo.


http://www.usgear.com/dcelerator.htm

Maybe someone will chime in some more info. or source info.

US Gear also makes under/overdrive units similar to gearvenders as well.

 

There is no Jacobs for an auto tranny application. Your dealer is either stoned or misinformed. As suggested by others US Gear is another potential supplier. The trick on an auto trans is that the torque converter must be locked for an e-brake to do you any good, and normally when you take your foot off of the accellerator the T/C unlocks. Apparently the Jacobs does not yet have the ability to control this. The vacuum pump mounts just below the throttle position sensor on the drivers side of the engine. This adds another pulley, therefore the kit includes a new serpentine belt. Getting the pump worked into place and installing the new belt are the more time consuming portions of the installation.