2003 3500 Dodge 5.9 automatic exhaust brake??

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teran8tor
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2003 3500 Dodge 5.9 automatic exhaust brake??

Post by teran8tor »

Need some advice. I have a 2003 Dodge 3500 DRW and am in need of an exhaust brake for the mountain trips. I am confused in that everytime I look them up most of the manufacturers do not make them for that year. I have found two, D-Celerator and BD that make an application. My question is does anyone have any experience with either one of these on a 2003 auto? I called Cummins and the gentleman there said he would not put one on without changing the valve springs. D-Celerator states it will not affect the valve springs.
Mike & Tera & K9 Bodi (ret)
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Re: 2003 3500 Dodge 5.9 automatic exhaust brake??

Post by campswithcritters »

No experience with those 2 but had a pac brake that I added to an 05 Dodge and it was great. You will need a different trans controller computer to lock up the torque converter on the 4 speed automatic if you are running an auto. I did no engine mods and none were mentioned in the install info.
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teran8tor
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Re: 2003 3500 Dodge 5.9 automatic exhaust brake??

Post by teran8tor »

Thanks very much. I will check into the Pac Brake and see if there is an installer in southern michigan. Thanks again.
Mike & Tera & K9 Bodi (ret)
K9 Paco
2003 Dodge 4dr DRW
5.9 Cummins
2010 3515 RT 4 slider
Both still working but
always planning for the
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Re: 2003 3500 Dodge 5.9 automatic exhaust brake??

Post by dieselfreak21 »

As mentioned you will need something that locks you Touque Converter and in addition you might want to look into a valve body upgrade to generate more line pressure. Will keep keep the tranny happier when using the break. The reason more manufacture don't do it specicifically for the 03 and 04 is if you get much over 60PSI of back pressure related to the engine break they have been known to cause a valve to drop on that series of motor as they have weaker reatingin clips than other years. Pac break makes a great product and and keeps it at 60PSI or less with very effective breaking. Getting ready to get one of their systems when I get my new turbo on the truck. Plus the pac break comes with an air tank and can be used with air bag or fill a tire if needed.
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teran8tor
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Re: 2003 3500 Dodge 5.9 automatic exhaust brake??

Post by teran8tor »

Thanks for the info. I guess I need to find someone in the area that does the valve body upgrades then onto the brake. I went out to Idaho last year without an exhaust brake and some of those mountains were alittle scary coming down with that 16500 # pushing me.
Mike & Tera & K9 Bodi (ret)
K9 Paco
2003 Dodge 4dr DRW
5.9 Cummins
2010 3515 RT 4 slider
Both still working but
always planning for the
future!!!
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Re: 2003 3500 Dodge 5.9 automatic exhaust brake??

Post by BMullins46 »

Have you checked with Banks? I know that when I was looking for one for my 06 Cummins they had them for various years including 03. The one I had installed had all the computer controls, etc. included with the kit. It works like a charm.
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