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About This Product
A total system solution. Direct-mount exhaust brake dramatically cuts downhill speed without using wheel brakes.
Fitment Note
Key Features
- Direct-mount exhaust brake dramatically cuts downhill speed without using wheel brakes.
- Pays for itself in reduced brake wear and brake maintenance
- Saves brake wear-and-tear
- Controls Downhill Speed
- A total system solution
- Value-Priced Braking!
- For use on Automatic Transmission equipped trucks
- Includes Computerized Brake Controller/SmartLock
Specifications
A total system solution with enhanced transmission control for exhaust braking, Banks' direct-mount, no-maintenance exhaust brake has electronics that monitor critical engine and transmission parameters to maximize braking efficiency. It dramatically cuts downhill speeds without using the wheel brakes. This keeps brakes cool and ready for emergencies, and saves thousands in brake maintenance. Optimizes exhaust flow when not engaged. Easy install; needs no drilling, cutting or modifications to stock wiring.
Why It's Better
Test Setup
A 2006 Dodge Cummins pickup was equipped with the Banks DynaFact® data acquisition system to measure vehicle speed, engine RPM, exhaust backpressure, transmission line pressure and braking horsepower.
Test runs on a 7% grade in the vicinity of Southern California's daunting Cajon Pass were done with the gear selector in both Drive and 2nd. Tow/Haul mode was used in all cases, per Dodge's recommendations. 55 mph was established at the top of the hill, and the foot brake was applied only if it became necessary to keep the vehicle at a safe speed (no greater than 65 mph).
Test Results
| Gear | Start Speed | w/o Banks Brake | with Banks Brake |
| 3rd | 55 mph | 65+ mph (firm foot pressure required) |
62 mph (no foot brakes) |
| 2nd | 55 mph | 60+ mph (foot foot required) |
37 mph (no foot brakes) |
Multiple configurations were tested: stock, Banks Brake with Computerized Brake Controller and SmartLock® (CBC), PacBrake, Jacobs and BD. All of the competitor brakes tested were a direct mount configuration and controlled by the vehicle ECM (an option that became available starting in the 2006 model year)
Stock
- Excessive use of foot brake required during descents in Drive: indication of possible runaway condition
- Heavy use of foot brake required in 2nd gear to prevent excessive redlining & consequent engine damage
BD Brake
- Uses a noisy electric pressure pump
- Insufficient braking power: had to use foot brake during descents in Drive
- Slow reaction time
- Weakest of all exhaust brakes tested
- Doesn't operate in 1st gear
- More restrictive when open; hurts performance
- Automatic-equipped trucks prior to '06 require BD's programmable Tow Loc and Pressure Loc kits to electronically control torque converter clutch engagement
- Transmission line pressure just 83 psi during descent
Jacobs Brake
- Insufficient braking power: had to use foot brake during descents in Drive
- Doesn't operate in 1st gear
- More restrictive when open; hurts performance
- Transmission line pressure just 82 psi during descent
- Slow reaction time
PacBrake
- On/Off brake activity while in cruise condition results in noisy release of air pressure
- Insufficient braking power: had to use foot brake during descents in Drive
- Slow reaction time
- Doesn't operate in 1st gear
- Most restrictive of all brakes when open; hurts performance
- Exhaust pressure regulation requires multiple moving parts that could stick or fail
- Transmission line pressure just 83 psi during descent
Banks Brake with CBC and SmartLock
- Smooth, controlled downhill descents
- The only exhaust brake that didn't require use of the foot brake in Drive
- Highest peak braking horsepower
- Immediate response
- Superior airflow with brake open
- By far, the quickest braking response time
- Transmission line pressure around 133 psi during descent
- This added line pressure keeps transmission clutches firmly applied
- Protects the transmission
- Over 50% more protective line pressure than the others provide
- Vacuum pump produces no audible noise over normal engine sound
Banks Brake versus the competition
| BANKS | BD | PACBRAKE | JACOBS | COMMENTS | |
| Brake Delay | 1 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 1=Best, 4=Worst See Instant Braking Power chart |
| Braking Power | 1 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 1=Best, 4=Worst See Superior Stopping Power chart |
| Open Flow | 1 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 1=Best, 4=Worst See Unrivaled Flow chart |
| Overdrive Cancel in Tow/Haul Mode | 
|
 |
|
|
Increases RPM for better braking |
| Brakes in all Gears & Locks Torque Converter |
|
|
|
|
Added safety when low speed must be maintained while descending steep grades |
| Free from Wire Tapping or Splicing |
|
|
|
|
Far easier to install, Banks Brake needs no modifications to stock wiring |
| Maintenance Free |
|
|
|
|
Calibrated at the factory, Banks Brake never needs adjustment or maintenance |
| Boosts Trans Line Pressure |
|
|
|
|
Protects the transmission under higher braking loads |
| High-Temp Sealed Bearing System |
|
|
|
|
Added durability & reliability; zero maintenance |
| Lowest Operating Speed (as tested on an '06 vehicle) |
14 mph | 24 mph | 24 mph | 24 mph | Only Banks Brake provides critical control at lower speeds |
Includes:Cast, large-bore brake housing assembly; High-force 4-1/4" vacuum actuator; Belt-driven vacuum pump with serpentine belt for quiet operation; Large butterfly valve with super-alloy shaft-and-bearing system; Wire loom; Mounting hardware.
Click below to get the full test report!
Banks Brake
Exhaust Braking System with CBC SmartLock
2006-2007 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 5.9L Cummins, Automatic Transmission
Control downhill speed without killing your brakes
About This Product
A total system solution. Direct-mount exhaust brake dramatically cuts downhill speed without using wheel brakes.
Fitment Note
Key Features
- Direct-mount exhaust brake dramatically cuts downhill speed without using wheel brakes.
- Pays for itself in reduced brake wear and brake maintenance
- Saves brake wear-and-tear
- Controls Downhill Speed
- A total system solution
- Value-Priced Braking!
- For use on Automatic Transmission equipped trucks
- Includes Computerized Brake Controller/SmartLock
Specifications
A total system solution with enhanced transmission control for exhaust braking, Banks' direct-mount, no-maintenance exhaust brake has electronics that monitor critical engine and transmission parameters to maximize braking efficiency. It dramatically cuts downhill speeds without using the wheel brakes. This keeps brakes cool and ready for emergencies, and saves thousands in brake maintenance. Optimizes exhaust flow when not engaged. Easy install; needs no drilling, cutting or modifications to stock wiring.
Why It's Better
Test Setup
A 2006 Dodge Cummins pickup was equipped with the Banks DynaFact® data acquisition system to measure vehicle speed, engine RPM, exhaust backpressure, transmission line pressure and braking horsepower.
Test runs on a 7% grade in the vicinity of Southern California's daunting Cajon Pass were done with the gear selector in both Drive and 2nd. Tow/Haul mode was used in all cases, per Dodge's recommendations. 55 mph was established at the top of the hill, and the foot brake was applied only if it became necessary to keep the vehicle at a safe speed (no greater than 65 mph).
Test Results
| Gear | Start Speed | w/o Banks Brake | with Banks Brake |
| 3rd | 55 mph | 65+ mph (firm foot pressure required) |
62 mph (no foot brakes) |
| 2nd | 55 mph | 60+ mph (foot foot required) |
37 mph (no foot brakes) |
Multiple configurations were tested: stock, Banks Brake with Computerized Brake Controller and SmartLock® (CBC), PacBrake, Jacobs and BD. All of the competitor brakes tested were a direct mount configuration and controlled by the vehicle ECM (an option that became available starting in the 2006 model year)
Stock
- Excessive use of foot brake required during descents in Drive: indication of possible runaway condition
- Heavy use of foot brake required in 2nd gear to prevent excessive redlining & consequent engine damage
BD Brake
- Uses a noisy electric pressure pump
- Insufficient braking power: had to use foot brake during descents in Drive
- Slow reaction time
- Weakest of all exhaust brakes tested
- Doesn't operate in 1st gear
- More restrictive when open; hurts performance
- Automatic-equipped trucks prior to '06 require BD's programmable Tow Loc and Pressure Loc kits to electronically control torque converter clutch engagement
- Transmission line pressure just 83 psi during descent
Jacobs Brake
- Insufficient braking power: had to use foot brake during descents in Drive
- Doesn't operate in 1st gear
- More restrictive when open; hurts performance
- Transmission line pressure just 82 psi during descent
- Slow reaction time
PacBrake
- On/Off brake activity while in cruise condition results in noisy release of air pressure
- Insufficient braking power: had to use foot brake during descents in Drive
- Slow reaction time
- Doesn't operate in 1st gear
- Most restrictive of all brakes when open; hurts performance
- Exhaust pressure regulation requires multiple moving parts that could stick or fail
- Transmission line pressure just 83 psi during descent
Banks Brake with CBC and SmartLock
- Smooth, controlled downhill descents
- The only exhaust brake that didn't require use of the foot brake in Drive
- Highest peak braking horsepower
- Immediate response
- Superior airflow with brake open
- By far, the quickest braking response time
- Transmission line pressure around 133 psi during descent
- This added line pressure keeps transmission clutches firmly applied
- Protects the transmission
- Over 50% more protective line pressure than the others provide
- Vacuum pump produces no audible noise over normal engine sound
Banks Brake versus the competition
| BANKS | BD | PACBRAKE | JACOBS | COMMENTS | |
| Brake Delay | 1 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 1=Best, 4=Worst See Instant Braking Power chart |
| Braking Power | 1 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 1=Best, 4=Worst See Superior Stopping Power chart |
| Open Flow | 1 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 1=Best, 4=Worst See Unrivaled Flow chart |
| Overdrive Cancel in Tow/Haul Mode |
|
|
|
|
Increases RPM for better braking |
| Brakes in all Gears & Locks Torque Converter |
|
|
|
|
Added safety when low speed must be maintained while descending steep grades |
| Free from Wire Tapping or Splicing |
|
|
|
|
Far easier to install, Banks Brake needs no modifications to stock wiring |
| Maintenance Free |
|
|
|
|
Calibrated at the factory, Banks Brake never needs adjustment or maintenance |
| Boosts Trans Line Pressure |
|
|
|
|
Protects the transmission under higher braking loads |
| High-Temp Sealed Bearing System |
|
|
|
|
Added durability & reliability; zero maintenance |
| Lowest Operating Speed (as tested on an '06 vehicle) |
14 mph | 24 mph | 24 mph | 24 mph | Only Banks Brake provides critical control at lower speeds |
Includes:Cast, large-bore brake housing assembly; High-force 4-1/4" vacuum actuator; Belt-driven vacuum pump with serpentine belt for quiet operation; Large butterfly valve with super-alloy shaft-and-bearing system; Wire loom; Mounting hardware.
Click below to get the full test report!
