TennesseeCRD wrote:
Would our CRD's benefit from a jake brake (especially in our towing rigs)? Does anyone make one?
Our Variable Vane Turbo kinda acts like a Jake Brake when we let off the accelerator.
One thing I don't do any more is use cruse control when I go up or down a steep grade when I am towing. The cruse control logic and how it communicates with the ECM and TCM is set up for gassers, not our CRDs. Going up a steep grade towing, the cruse down shifts too soon and revs the engine too high driving up the EGT very high. Going down a steep grade towing, it downshifts trying to slow the rig down and over revs the engine. When the engine revs too high the Variable Vane Turbo no longer acts like a kind of Jake Brake and makes the rig want to run away worst.
US Gear makes Jake Brakes for light Diesel Trucks and Motor Homes, they don't list one for our CRDs. The D-Celerator EXB-2500 (2 1/2" Exhaust) is listed at $1,295 for only use on lock up torque converters, I would not use the D-Celerator with the cruse engaged with our cruse control logic.
GDE has made comments not favorable regarding Jake Brakes, I suspect it some how effects their tune.
I would get another opinion if you don't have their tune.