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A couple of years ago we bought a used 2000 ford f250 with the 7.3 diesel, auto transmission. I have added to the truck a replacement 4 inch stainless exhaust system and a Juice chip w/attitude. I haven't a clue about the torgue converter except it should be factory. Has 109,000 miles on it of which I put the last 15,000 pulling our 35 ft fifth wheel. We have a long trip planned for this summer traveling over 8,000 miles. A lot of which will be in the mountains of the west. I am currently trying to research whether or not the adding of a Exhaust Brake would be advisable and if it would be something I could handle myself. I'm certainly not a wrencher but have changed plug or two in my time and not afraid to try somethings but I know I have limits, would never attempt anything as extensive as pulling the head.
So far it seems that an HD Exhaust Brake has been recomended most by the suppliers. I am hoping someone has experience with this exhaust brake or something simular and give me some feed back on their experiences with instalation and use of this item or even if someone would think this is a waste of time and money because the truck and 5th wheel brakes will be good enough to handle even the mountain grades. Thanks every one.
My truck has an exhaust break and I wouldn't trade it for the world. No more white knuckles when decending down grades. If you can get one installed, it will help a lot.
Navy Chief
2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Laramie w/6.7 CTD, 6 speed auto, Factory Exhaust Brake.
2007 KZ 41CKS3 Montego Bay Sportster
2006 Kaw KDX 200
2008 Can AM Outlander Max 650
2006 Yam R6
2007 Suz GSXR 600
Golf cart
I have just received my PACBRAKE in the mail and I am waiting for it to stop raining (I live north of Seattle) so that I can install it. I bought it from Diesel Truck Resource, best price I have found and shipped in just 2 days. I am not a mechanic but I am going to install it myself, check I will post some pics when I get it done!
John and Jeannine + 3 Boys 9, 6, and 4.
2007 Dodge 2500, 5.9 CTD LB, Husky Brake Controller,
Husky 20K Hitch, Linex, and Firestone Airbags, Pac Brake.
2007 Keystone Challenger 34' SBH 5er
I can't forget the puppy, Little Boy!
I have a '99 F350 and have had the US Gear exhaust brake and now have the Banks brake. The US Gear broke on me on a trip to New Mexico and when I had it removed the mechanic said that they had problems with a number of them. The Banks Brake works well and is similar to Pac Brake and any others that are installed at the turbo. One thing you must have with an automatic transmission is a torque converter lock. This will keep the converter engaged or locked even if you apply the foot brake. Without the lock every time you use the foot pedal to slow down the converter will unlock and you lose the effectiveness of the exhaust brake.
I didn't have a converter lock when I installed the US Gear brake but the Banks does have one and it makes a world of difference. It is not difficult installing at the turbo mechanically speaking but it is a bit difficult to get at anatomically speaking.
2006 KZ Escalade Sportster 41CKS
BMW R1100RT
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I just finished installing an exhaust brake on my 01 F250 7.3L PSD. The brand I chose was from BD Power.I opted for the 'remote', i.e. down in the exhaust pipe install as opposed to the Turbo mounted unit.For me it was a bit easier than climbing on top of the engine and working from there. I'll be testing it over the next few days and will let you know the results Suggestion, both PacBrake and BD Power publish their manuals online in pdf form for easy down loading. Also look at USGear. BD Power also recommended an Autoloc module that controls your torque converter.You might want to check out the forum at www.ford-trucks.com. Lots of good advice and nice folks. One last thing, if you don't have the extra gages, such as EGT, tranny temp, boost, work those into your budget. You'll thank me later.
2001 F250 7.3L PSD, air lifts, 4" pipes, 6637 mod, Husky sliderhitch
2005 Crossroads Cruiser CF29CK (with all the goodies)
I had a Jacobs exhaust brake installed on our truck before taking delivery and wouldn't be without it. The worst grades I've used it on were on Highway 3 in southern British Columbia which at one point has a 5 mile, 8% downhill. Towing 13,000 lbs and running in 4th gear @ 2,600 - 2,700 rpm I barely touched the service brakes even on on that hill. The brake also assists significantly with cold weather warm-up.
Dave
Dave & Jan
2008 Jayco Designer 35RLTS
2005 Dodge 3500 SLT, LB, 2WD, DRW, NV5600 6-speed, 3.73 gears, Jacobs Exhaust Brake, BD X-Monitor for Boost & EGT, AFE System 2 Intake and Cat-Back Exhaust, Lund Boards and Flaps, & Tonneau Cover.
I have an 02 F250 with the 7.3 and installed a B D brakeloc. This was the best thing that I've done to my truck. The first time we went down Wolf Creek in CO, I knew something was needed, and after some research this is what I found. Had it installed at Lubbock by a diesel shop. It was the most reasonably priced unit that I found. Works like its supposed to when on long grades, have had it for 5 or 6 years now, and wouldn't be without it.
Have had one (Pac Brake) on my truck as long as I have had the fifth wheel. Best part for me is that I still have the original brakes in my truck even after almost 100,000 miles (much of which was towing at over 21,000#!)
I installed my own, but it's probably a lot easier on the Dodges that the Ford's or Chevy's.
2004 Dodge Ram 3500 CTD/4X4/DRW/6 Speed
2005 Cedar Creek 36RLTS
Truck: B&W, Prodigy, Quadzilla, MBRP, Pac Brake PRXB
Trailer: Full Trail Air, Onan Marquis Gold 6500LP, Dual AC, King Bed
Bob - from what I understand, yes an exhaust brake is worth it, almost a necessity out west. I live in SC and venture up to the VA mountains and have not seen an occasion to use one, but I will eventually have one in one form or fashion for safety.
If you can afford the _real_ deal then get one, but consider this: our PSDs have what is called an EBPV (Exhaust back pressure valve) which essentially works like an exhaust brake. It restricts the exhaust during cold weather to help the engine warm up. There are kits which are inexpensive which allow you to trigger this when needed and use it as an exhaust brake (also locking the TC at the same time to keep it from overheating). I think that's the way I'm going to go. I believe it's not as strong as the _real_ exhaust brakes but should be effective enough for my needs. I read about it on ford-trucks.com...
2002 Wildcat 28BH (the bunkhouse); 2000 Ford F250 2WD CC Lariat 7.3PSD (the horse); 2000 A4 Audi 1.8T Quattro 5sp (the speeder); Last but not least - one great wife and a beautiful daughter.
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