ENGINEERED TO ELIMINATE BRAKE FADE, TRAILER SWAY, AND WORN-OUT BRAKES

FORD 7.3L POWERSTROKE 99-03 EXHAUST BRAKES

Add powerful, reliable supplemental braking to your 1999-2003 Ford 7.3L Power Stroke. BD Diesel exhaust brakes reduce service brake wear and improve control when towing heavy loads on steep grades.

  • 30+ Years of Braking

    We've been engineering and manufacturing exhaust brakes since 1989, refining our designs for maximum performance.

  • Reduce Brake Fade

    Descend long grades with confidence, keeping your service brakes cool and ready for when you need them most.

  • Controlled Towing

    Maintain a safe, steady speed without constantly applying the brakes, even with the heaviest trailers.

  • Proven Butterfly Valve

    Our rugged, air-actuated butterfly valve design provides reliable retarding power for non-VGT turbochargers.

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FIND THE RIGHT EXHAUST BRAKE FOR YOUR TRUCK

Find the right braking solution for your 7.3L Power Stroke. This table covers our most popular kits and controllers for this platform.

ApplicationEngineCommon YearsTypical ProductBest For
Turbo-Mount Exhaust Brake Kit7.3L Power Stroke1999-2003Exhaust Brake Air/Turbo Mount Ford 7.3LTrucks with stock or similarly flanged aftermarket turbochargers looking for a direct-fit braking solution.
Remote-Mount Exhaust Brake Kit7.3L Power Stroke1999-2003Exhaust Brake (Remote) 4-Inch Exhaust c/w Air CompressorTrucks with aftermarket turbo systems or custom 4-inch exhaust setups requiring flexible installation.
Automatic Transmission Controller7.3L Power Stroke1999-2003AutoLoc / TorqLocAutomatic transmission trucks needing to lock the torque converter for effective exhaust braking.
Manual Transmission Controller7.3L Power Stroke1999-2003BrakeLoc Manual TransmissionManual transmission trucks, to maintain RPM and enhance exhaust brake function during deceleration.

WHY YOUR 7.3L NEEDS AN EXHAUST BRAKE AND HOW BD SOLVES IT

An exhaust brake is one of the most significant safety and performance upgrades for any heavy-towing 7.3L Power Stroke. By restricting the exhaust flow, it turns your engine into an air compressor, creating substantial retarding horsepower. This allows you to control your descent speed on long grades, saving your service brakes from overheating and premature wear. Whether you choose a direct turbo-mount or a versatile remote-mount kit, our systems use a durable, air-actuated butterfly valve for consistent, reliable braking power.

  • Brake Fade on Long Grades

    Over-reliance on service brakes while towing can cause them to overheat, reducing their effectiveness and creating a safety hazard.

    The BD Difference

    A BD exhaust brake keeps service brakes cool by handling the bulk of the descent's braking work.

  • Trailer Pushing the Truck

    Without supplemental braking, a heavy trailer's momentum can make it feel like it's pushing your truck downhill.

    The BD Difference

    Our exhaust brakes let you maintain a safe, steady speed without constant brake application.

  • Premature Brake Wear

    Towing heavy loads drastically shortens the life of your truck's brake pads and rotors.

    The BD Difference

    An exhaust brake significantly reduces wear on your primary braking system, saving on service costs.

  • Lack of Control and Confidence

    White-knuckle driving on descents is stressful and fatiguing without a reliable way to control your speed.

    The BD Difference

    An exhaust brake provides the control needed to navigate hills safely and with less fatigue.

Why does my 1999-2003 7.3L Power Stroke need an exhaust brake?

The 7.3L engine has a non-variable geometry turbo and provides very little natural engine braking. An exhaust brake creates supplemental braking force, which is critical for safely controlling your speed when towing heavy loads on descents.

What's the difference between a turbo-mount and a remote-mount brake?

A turbo-mount brake bolts directly to the turbo outlet for a compact installation on stock setups. A remote-mount brake is installed further down the exhaust pipe, offering more flexibility for trucks with aftermarket turbos or custom exhausts.

If I have an automatic transmission, do I need a TorqLoc or AutoLoc?

Yes. To achieve effective braking, the torque converter must be locked. Our AutoLoc and TorqLoc controllers automatically command the converter to lock up when the exhaust brake is active, ensuring braking power is transferred to the wheels.

Can I use an exhaust brake with my manual transmission?

Absolutely. Exhaust brakes work very well with manual transmissions. Our BrakeLoc controller can also be used to help maintain engagement and optimize braking performance.

Do these kits come with everything needed for installation?

Our complete kits include the brake valve, an air compressor, switches, and all necessary wiring and hardware for a comprehensive installation. Always check the product page to see exactly what's included in a specific kit.

Will an exhaust brake hurt my 7.3L engine?

No. Our exhaust brakes are engineered to operate within the safe exhaust backpressure limits of the 7.3L Power Stroke engine, ensuring reliable performance without causing damage.