Exhaust brake on an Automatic?

[rlsjeep]

Can you do this? After pulling my new trailer this weekend, I feel like I need one.


Also what you do guys do with your tranny's to keep them cool?

[ParaP14]

No, this will void your warranty, and tear up your tranny. There is no APPROVED exhaust brake for a automatic in an 04 dodge, or any other dodge, at least by cummins.

The good news, it you want to buy a brand new dodge, cummins just approved a jake brake for the new auto trannies (48re) on the '06 dodges.

[Mechanos]

You can if you want to upgrade your tranny. You can get a billet input shaft from DTT or one of the others as well as other goodies like a better TC and VB or a whole damn tranny. A TC lock-up controller is also a nice compliment to the exhaust brake/auto tranny combo. Just depends on how much $$$ you're willing to part with. I've been saving for when my tranny finally goes south. The package I'd like to have cost about $5000 to $5500.

[wideopenDiesel]

O.K. The Exahust brake issue has been settled.. Now the cooling..

On my 7.3 my factory cooler was leaking..so I pulled it out and replaced it with 2 26,000 Lb coolers ..done the trick tranny stays nice and cool now

[MMiller]

Lots of guys are running them on autos, gotta keep the convertor locked though. Far as I know it will void your warranty, but an exhaust brake will work with a lockup switch.

Do you have a temp gauge in it now? Is it running hot, or are you just wondering what to do? Keep the convertor locked when possible, and run drive instead of overdrive when loaded heavy. When taking off from a stop loaded, ease into it. Just enough fuel to accelerate, don't pin the throttle and slip the crap out of the convertor. Just remember, when the covertor is slipping, the tranny is going to make heat.

Michael

[rlsjeep]

well. I just started towing about 15k. I just want to make sure the tranny stays cool. I pull in the moutains alot too thats why i'm looking into it.


As for the Exhaust brake, let me get this right. the tranny has to be in full lockup to make it work. is there an way i can do that?

Second question, if money were not an issue what tranny would you put in my truck that could handle everything i throw at it. I want to put the twins on it like lance did. but Dodge trannys suck I dont want to tear it up.

thanks for the info, you guys help alot!

[demonranger]

As far as dodge trannys go I think ATS builds some pretty good ones, that's what Lance is running in his behind those twins.

For trans lockup there are control boxes that you can buy to lockup the T/C so you get the full braking of the engine. I don't know how dodge programs theirs from the factory but if your T/C locks (when you let off the fuel the engine RPM stays there and does not drop off more rapidly than the vehicle is slowing) find out at what speed it unlocks for a given gear. If the command is being given from the existing controls you don't have to have a control box though typically they are benficial to keeping it locked up a bit lower (slower) than factory but be aware that keeping them locked too low will tear up your converter because there is not enough pressure to keep the torque converter locked. ATS also sells a t/c control box.