Exhaust brake

[RonS]

Anyone using an exhaust brake on their Duramax, Brand , pros, cons.

[JOHN EVANS]

I currently do not have a jake brake on my 01 3500 GMC. If i do install 1 it will be the Banks one.[/b]

[billr]

I ran the US Gear unit on an 04 Duramax, its elec actuated as opposed to air operated ones. It worked ok, but I understand the air units are far better. Pac brake gets high reviews.

I'm a firm believer in having one. Really helps hold the load back on grades and normal slow downs. Hardly ever have to touch the service brakes on grades. Works fine with the tow haul trannys.

Bill

[2blackdogs]

I put a Banks on my Powerstroke and it works real good.
Bob

[anijet]

I've had a BD brake on an '01, '04 and now an '07 GMC. Wouldn't be without one.

Banks has a new one out that uses the VVT for retarding. It has a cruise control programed in it which sounds nice. It's expensive and it requires a PDA to operate it.

If your '04 is an early LB7 the new Banks unit will not work. If it's a later '04 LLY then it might be the way to go.

[RonS]

Leo - I have the LB7 and got a price of $1900 installed BD exhaust brake. That seems a little high for install, when I can get the kit on line for under $1400, so I will shop around. Thanks for your in put.

[billr]

I have also heard good reports on the BD brake. As far as the install, I installed the US gear Exhaust brake on the 04 LLY Duramax, it took me about 4 hrs.

High speed cut off wheel did a fine job cutting the pipe section out. Wire routing and switch/control box fairly simple. If you get the air actuated brake, then a compressor and air lines are needed.

If anyone is interested in my US Gear Exhaust Brake, I will sell it since we don't tow with the Chevy any more. Note, it fits the 4" exhaust and is for the 04 LLY. $400 complete.

Bill

[anijet]

I also installed all three myself. I always did the install along with a 4" exhaust and the whole project took a full day. I don't have a hoist so I did it by just jacking up one side for added clearance to work under the truck. All in all not a bad job. I installed it with a coulple of solenoid air valves and an additional regulator controled by a switch in the cab. This way I have two retard settings. Sometimes full on brake is too much and this way I can have full or about half the stopping torque.

BTW, I bought mine from Kennedy Diesel, maybe not too far from you. That $400 sounds pretty good but if you are still interested in a BD, he is in Loyal, WI.