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03-07
Dodge - 5.9L Cummins
Superior Exhaust Braking
('04.5-07) A total system solution. Direct-mount exhaust brake dramatically cuts downhill speed without using wheel brakes. Includes Computerized Brake Controller/SmartLock.
Banks Brake® '04.5-07
('04.5-07; automatic transmissions only)
A total system solution with enhanced transmission control for exhaust braking, Banks' direct-mount, no-maintenance exhaust brake has electronics that monitor critical engine and transmission parameters to maximize braking efficiency. It dramatically cuts downhill speeds without using the wheel brakes. This keeps brakes cool and ready for emergencies, and saves thousands in brake maintenance. Optimizes exhaust flow when not engaged. Easy install; needs no drilling, cutting or modifications to stock wiring.
Computerized brake control (CBC) and SmartLock are included.
CBC automatically senses throttle position, controls brake engagement and cuts out annoying brake noises. Fast warm-up function prolongs brake durability, and automated brake disengagement at low speed smoothes stop-and-go driving. Banks SmartLock locks the torque converter & raises line pressure to smoothly reduce vehicle speed and safeguard the transmission.
Includes:
Cast, large-bore brake housing assembly; High-force 4-1/4" vacuum actuator; Belt-driven vacuum pump with serpentine belt for quiet operation; Computerized Brake Controller/SmartLock; Large butterfly valve with super-alloy shaft-and-bearing system; Wire loom; Mounting hardware.
Test Setup
An ’06 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.
Test Results
| 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
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Banks Brake versus the competition
| 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 |
| Application | Year Range | Part # |
|---|---|---|
| Banks Brake w/CBC-SmartLock Dodge 5.9L; 2004.5 thru 05 | 2004-05 | 55225 |
| Banks Brake w/CBC-SmartLock Dodge 5.9L | 2006-07 | 55226 |
| Banks Brake Manual Trans 2004.5-05 | 2004-05 | 55227 |
| Banks Brake Manual Trans | 2006-07 | 55228 |
| Banks Brake w/CBC-SmartLock Dodge 5.9L; Auto | 2004 | 55229 |
| Bracket Kit, CBC/SmartLock to tuner Dodge 5.9L | 2004-07 | 55298 |
Owners Manual(s)
| Speed Control- Banks Exhaust Brake '03-early 04 (Part #97053) |  Download |
| Speed Control- Banks Brake with CBC/SmartLock '04-07 (Part #97055) | Download |
| Speed Control- Banks Brake, Exhaust Brake System, Late '04-07 (Part #97232) For use w/ Manual Transmissions |
Download |
Banks Brake - Dodge 2004
2009-03-09
Worth the money spent
Believe it or not, I finally got the brake installed. Between holidays, snowstorm, and floods, things have been real crazy in this neck of the woods. Thought I would take a few moments to commend your people on a very well done piece of work. Everything fit perfectly, it works as well as you said it would, the directions were easy to follow and the pictures were well done. Thank you for a product that is worth the money spent. -Richard G., Kalama, Washington
5.9L Banks Brake
2009-06-29
RV Magazine reviews the Banks Brake
But it was this simple Banks Brake kit that positively changed the way the truck handled with a trailer. Truck owner and RV Magazine contributor Tony Becker said that he wished he had done the upgrade sooner. He saw the benefits of the Banks Brake immediately.
The idea that you can cut your downhill speed without using the wheel brakes means that they will be fully functional when you need them most. Less wear and tear means less money spent on buying replacement parts. As you already know, heavy loads and steep descents with a trailer in tow mean that you are tempting fate with just the stock braking system. The last thing you want is to smell your brakes burning up as the rotors or drums turn red-hot. More pedal force just increases the problem. Read the full article!
Banks Brake on TrucksTV
As part of an episode on the Banks PowerPack, TrucksTV host Stacy David touches on some key points of the Banks Brake (the Power Stroke model is shown here).
Accolades
“When I was at his [Gale Banks’] shop, I realized that he’s so immersed in diesel technology he could be Dr. Diesel.”
Jay Leno in Popular Mechanics (Sept '05)