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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). Multiple configurations were tested: stock, Banks Brake with Computerized Brake Controller and SmartLock® (CBC), PacBrake, Jacobs and BD.
All of the brakes tested were a direct mount configuration. Each of the competitive brakes was controlled by the vehicle ECM (an option that became available starting in the 2006 model year). In addition to road testing, flow bench testing was conducted on each of the brake assemblies.
Gear | Starting Speed | Speed without Banks Brake | Speed with Banks Brake |
3rd | 55 mph | 65+ mph (excessive use of foot brakes required) |
62 mph (no foot brakes) |
2nd | 55 mph | 60+ mph (use of foot brakes required) |
37 mph (no foot brakes) |
Stock
Banks Brake with CBC and SmartLock ®
BD Brake
Jacobs Brake
PacBrake
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 | ![]() |
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Increases RPM for better braking |
Brakes in all Gears & Locks Torque Converter | ![]() |
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Added safety when low speed must be maintained while descending steep grades |
Free from Wire Tapping or Splicing |
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Far easier to install, Banks Brake needs no modifications to stock wiring |
Maintenance Free | ![]() |
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Calibrated at the factory, Banks Brake never needs adjustment or maintenance |
Boosts Trans Line Pressure |
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Protects the transmission under higher braking loads |
High-Temp Sealed Bearing System | ![]() |
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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.
TECH ARTICLE: How an Exhaust Brake Works
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