Lets talk exhaust brakes!!!!
 

I want to install an exhaust brake on my 01 SD TD. The price range seems to be verrrrryyyy wide. From $200 on ebay for one that works with the BPV to $1200 for a US gear. Who has experience with any or all of these: Western, BD, Banks, US Gear, SP Diesel (ebay) or Spagnoli (ebay). Has anyone had a problem with them harming the truck? Do they work well and are they reasonably easy to install. Also, how about the DIY system on The Dieselman page, has anyone done that.

Give Banks a look, Great R&D and installation friendly for the do it yourselfer, downside is usually pricy. www.bankspower.com

Does installing an enhaust brake cause any problems with Ford and the warranty?

The DIY brake is very easy to do and only costs about $25, I haven't seen any problems with it yet. You could have warranty problems if Ford determines a problem is related to the brake. I love mine, I use it in the mountains all the time, even when I'm empty.

I second JMorton. You can't beat the Do it Yourself version for $30 bucks. I bought the pac Brake brand for $875, took 6 hours to install, and drove it one time. I was so dissapointed with its performance that I removed it. I then did my research and found the "Do it yourself" version. I tried it and I can honestly say that It works as well if not better than the aftermarked I bought. I also haven't had any warranty problems with mine. I took my truck to the dealer for ECM problems and they never had a problem with my mods, this of course will all depend on your local Ford service department.

For all you who did it yourself, where did you get the info?
Dont know the name, but the guys webpage with a long list of mods?

Yes. If Ford determines that it damaged your engine/transmission the work will not be covered. From my understanding the 1999+ PSD's don't have forged rods and are more prone to engine damage. That being said, tons of guys use them. If you want it, buy it, but be ready to pay out of pocket if it causes any damage.

I think this is the webpage you're looking for:

http://pages.prodigy.net/stevebaz/_i...az/index3.html

yes, that is where i got my info, havent done it yet. Just wanted to know if thats how yall are making the DIY brake.

I started with that and then made some changes to it. I added a relay coming off of the IVS on the throttle pedal to control brake on/off automatically. Works a lot easier and I never have it in the manual on position anymore. Go to www.ford-trucks.com and look up a guy named Sellwithsam, he can walk you through how to install the relay to make this work, I lost the diagram.

that was the change i would want to make to the orgional procedure. Thanks for the info jmorton.

It makes it a lot easier to use, don't have to think as much!! It's really not too hard to instal, just install the relay in the engine compartment or else you'll always hear it clicking.