Engine brake (or lack of)

[wldr1966]

So I live in Colorado and I burn wood in the winter to heat my house. I just bought a 2001 f350 with an auto watchout) and drove it to the mountains last weekend to cut wood. Boy did I cut alot!! I had so much in the bed of the truck that it was riding on the overloads! anyway as you might imagine we have steep twisty mountain roads here and about halfway down a steep hill my brakes started to fade scary bad! Even with the transmission out of od and in 2nd and 1st I had no engine braking (I DID NOT want an auto but ford seems to think everyone should own one). Should I install a "jake" brake? What can I do?

 

[BIG JOE]

So I live in Colorado and I burn wood in the winter to heat my house. I just bought a 2001 f350 with an auto watchout) and drove it to the mountains last weekend to cut wood. Boy did I cut alot!! I had so much in the bed of the truck that it was riding on the overloads! anyway as you might imagine we have steep twisty mountain roads here and about halfway down a steep hill my brakes started to fade scary bad! Even with the transmission out of od and in 2nd and 1st I had no engine braking (I DID NOT want an auto but ford seems to think everyone should own one). Should I install a "jake" brake? What can I do?

A "Jake Brake", in it's true sense isn't possible for these Ford/IH Dezels, but an Exhaust brake is. Check out the SDD site support vendors, many styles available.. yer choice ?

 

[snakyjake]

Would an exhaust brake add more strain to the engine?

 

[Crumm]

You can wire up your EBPV and use it for a exhaust brake. Very effective for cheap. You will also need to wire it up so it locks the torque converter.

Swamp Donkeys DIY instructions. - $20.00

Powerstroker exhaust brake on ebay - $120 with converter lock, $100 without.

 

[BJS]

with the exhaust brake you'll need to ensure that you have the torque converter locked up when the brake is engaged or the transmission will get way too hot very quickly