hi ive done some mods to my 12v. i do alot of pulling horse trailer up an down big hills. wanting to know more about exhaust breaks, are the hard on your motor or not so bad. i dont know much about them. thanks for any help

 

If you tow at all, I highly recommend an exhaust brake. Hell, even if you don't tow I suggest an exhaust brake.

 

It's recommended to upgrade your exhaust valve springs to 60lbs or more if you install one and I've heard both ways on wether or not its good or bad on the engine. I've rode in a 07 2500 cummins with a utility bed loaded down to the max with a welder, compressor and other such equipment and it made a big difference when it was on and off; saves the brakes too. Only down side that I've heard is a mechanic at the dealer told us that if you don't run with it on alot it will stick up with carbon and jam sometimes open sometimes closed

 

thanks for all the info. do you know what size stock valve springs are? im thinking about puting a tow cam in also. It seems diesel mods are like tattos once you do one you just have to keep goin

 

I'm pretty sure they're 35lbs stock but dont quote me on that. yea i feel you on the add ons theyre addicting as heck. if you're going to do the cam and exhaust springs id look into upgrading the intake springs too while your in there.

 

thanks Ive been looking at the 60lbs springs for both in. an ex. the cam im lookin for is just a mild street an tow but its seem to be hard to find. any idea?

 

The stock 12V 5.9 came with 30# valve springs, to get the most retarding you want to install the 60# valve springs, Also if the truck is an automatic you are going to need a Transmission lock up controller.

 

Here's another comment in favor of the exhaust brake.... Aside from "it works", and "saves the wheel-brakes", somebody a long time ago, in a webthread far, far away said that its use would keep the exhaust valves from cooling too rapidly and warping on the downhill side after a high-temperature climb. I have no idea if that's a real concern, but, it sounded plausible to me.

 

I have a 95 dodge 2500 with a jake brake and do not pull any large loads I am thinking of taking the jake brake off. Is there any interest in used jake brakes and what could I get for one?

 

I too just upgraded to a 5" exhaust system and I have an exhaust brake for the factory exhaust system if interested I would be glad to give it away ..... gonna want a 5" pac brake if I'm gonna do it again ..
Would love to get a real "jake Brake" ... as in on the head its self.... seen one for the new trucks ... wonder what it would take to het one on these 12V's ?????