School me on them... Who makes what and what you running? Looking for ease of install and function

 

Got a Jakob's on mine. Replaces the cast elbow on the back of the turbo. It's a Cummins/Dodge part, so it integrates into the truck's ECM. Has an on/off switch (mounted to the shifter on my 6-speed). When on, the computer applies the brake when accelerator position is at 0% for 2 seconds. The delay is to allow a manual trans to be shifted without the brake coming on between gears. This delay may not be present on an automatic trans truck, I don't know.

The brake is powered by a vacuum pump that mounts to the cylinder head with 3 bolts directly above the CP3 and is driven by the serpentine belt. When activated, the computer sends a signal that actuates a vacuum solenoid which actuates a vacuum cylinder on the side of the brake. This cylinder closes a large butterfly valve inside the brake housing which holds the exhaust pressure inside the engine on the exhaust stroke.

I installed mine myself in the driveway. Took about 5 hours, but think I could shave an hour off that time now that I've done one.

I've heard reports of the vacuum pumps having reliability issues. I can't confirm this as mine lasted 94,000 miles before giving up the ghost. I've also heard the vacuum style exhaust brakes aren't supposed to do well in higher elevations. I call B.S. as mine would hold my truck and 8,000 lb 5th wheel camper at 35mph on a 7% grade with the trans in 4th gear, while never touching the wheel brakes, for as long as I wanted it to while on our trips to the Rockies.

Best part of my Jake is, even with all the traveling and towing, I now have 95,000 miles on my truck and I'm STILL on the original brakes! How many people out there can say that?

 

Pacbrake pressure regulated is the one. It holds the maximum backpressure down to low RPM. They are simple to install and you get an air compressor too. I wouldn't go on vacation with it.