BD Exhaust Brake for an AUTO TRANS - Diesel Forum

patchzx7r · 02-02-2008, 03:36 AM

Yaa, I capped the letters on purpose, almost a year ago I had a chance to buy one for a lot less than retail and didn't. I was kicking myself over the summer thinking I should have bought it.

Well I may have another chance and did a search for input on these things for the 6.0 Auto application.

I could not find a single post with an owner that had one on his 6.0 Automatic transmission truck.

So I am asking for input from owner with Automatic's I appreciate those with Manuals but we know it isn't the same.

Matt

B-rad · 02-02-2008, 06:02 AM

They should work just fine. When I worked at the Dodge dealership I installed like 4 or 5 but they were all on manuals. But I think that another mechanic put one on an auto. If I remember right they are just the electronic solenoid that has a flapper on it that replaces the downpipe?

bcoakley · 02-02-2008, 08:00 AM

I put one on my 2005 F-250. When I'm towing (14-15k pounds) going down a 6% grade, I just felt uncomfortable. The tranny in tow haul wouldn't keep me from gaining speed. I knew I couldn't stop in a hurry, the motor was revving high and I felt my brakes get a little mushy. I did the install myself. Took ALL DAY, about 11 hours, but I took my time. A little welding was necessary. A lot of electrical connections. Didn't work right at first. Took me a few days to track down the culprit, ended up being a bad electrical connection. Canadian made connections are different from anything I've ever seen. You need to have a tranny pressure tester also. Doesn't sound like your typical exhaust brake but it works well. I feel much more comfortable going down grades now. You can even use it for normal stopping if you want or you can turn it off from inside the cab if you want. Might be better to find a good diesel guy that has installed one before to install it for you. If you have any other questions, send me a PM.

caryt · 02-02-2008, 05:45 PM

I have installed a few, last one on a 2001 ..took 3 hours , a piece of cake. Love em!

Cary

patchzx7r · 02-02-2008, 06:46 PM

Thanks for the replies so far, I know that 2003 had a turbo that is different than the other years (yaa mine whistles) and I am not sure if that will make a difference on a Exhaust brake.

I will PM you later today to discuss your install.

If someone has a 03 6.0 and can advise that would be great.

thanks.

wdwkr · 02-02-2008, 08:50 PM

patchzx7r----I have the BD exhaust brake but I also have a manual trans. I had the brake professionally installed and I'm glad I did. There is a bit of work to install them. I know the auto trans brake install is even tougher. They work really well at holding back and even slowing down the truck. I would call BD up and talk to them. They also make up grade kits for the trans to help make it stronger and work better when using an exhaust brake. The installer did say that they do not work as well in an auto trans compared to the man trans. He also said they do not work as well in an egr motor vers non egr motor. It really gives me a piece of mind when going down a grade with the horse trailer. It also works well for stop and go city traffic. The one complaint I have with the brake is that it will only work down to 20mph. Something about the PCM not allowing it to work at a lower speed.

patchzx7r · 02-06-2008, 12:52 PM

Ok so it is looking like I have an oppurtunity to buy this kit for $850.00 from a private seller that sold the truck and has had it for a year collecting dust in his garage.

Is it worth the $$. I will be calling BD today and discuss.

Let me know your thoughts fellow diesel hounds..

wdwkr · 02-06-2008, 06:03 PM

My thought is that exhaust brakes should be an option from the factory. They help so much. I use mine everyday loaded down with a trailer or empty. To me it was well worth the cost to have a piece of mind. And all the research I did before I had one installed was that the BD brake was the best one made. It will still slow the truck down at low rpm's where I do most of my driving.