Maybe this might tell you something, Rivers.

 

Thanks White. When I heard about these brakes on tanks it was on one of those "How it Works" shows and they were taking a derelict WWII tank and bringing it back to life. During the explanation of how tracked vehicles worked the braking system was obviously explained. Unfortunately I don't remember everything that was said but I remember enough to remember the transmission brake was more functional than emergency or parking. What I don't get about this brake is it seems braking at the wheel is more reliable and dependable method. What do you have if the vehicle drops the driveshaft? Air brakes never entered my mind and I don't know much about them either so necessity may be a simple reason about why the transmission is used? The idea of them being easier to work on and simpler makes sense until they need work as your video shows. Working on the brake removes the parking brake and without the driveshaft which has to be disconnected you lose the ability to use the transmission as a brake.

You're right, I think this is interesting and the kids grew up referring to me as a nerd and still do.

 

Tried calling him again.... no answer. Starting to get worried. He's been having some pretty serious health issues lately.

I pulled the battery out of my 06 Escape tonight to charge it. It was deeeaaaadd!! Literally. My little battery pack started it just fine, but as soon as you unhook it, the motor would die. The battery pack also has some circuitry in it that keeps clicking on and off... like a pulse of some sort. Gotta figure it out.

Anyway, this is my little guy.... and it charges very well for its size.

Battery %


Volts

 

Glad to hear that jump pack worked for you, White. After you posted the link, I picked one up just like it to keep in the trunk of the TLX. I couldn't pass up the price with coupon. I wish it had a storage case and charger like my other one, but I'll find something to keep it in.

..

 

It has some impressive power. I started it 3 times with the battery completely dead.... literally said 2 volts, 0% when I hooked the battery to my charger. It still shows it has a full charge after that too. Just a heads up that after you start it, if you have to hook it up again, you have to physically unplug the harness from the battery pack to reset it. I think it must have some circuitry in it to prevent it from being affected by the alternator.

 

White, I hope the best for you're buddy and this is nothing to be concerned with. It's just as you said, interesting and nothing more.

 

Thank you... he's having some problems that I won't divulge on here. But pretty serious overall.

His Wife does not have a cell phone, so I don't know how to get a hold of him. Might drive over to SLC tomorrow and try to track him down.

 

If he's not doing well I'm sure he would enjoy seeing you but forget about this if you go. See your friend.

 

I have the 5.4 and just finished my rear end swap to the H9 LS (thanks akdoggie). Took it out for a test spin and blew a chunk out of the passenger side manifold. Looks
like changing it is going to be a serious #$%#. Aluminium block and serious manifold rust. How does it look on the 98?

 

Surprisingly enough, the right side is the easiest manifold to swap out. Pull the wheel and it's right there in front of you. The left is sort of a biatch, with the steering shaft, brake lines and that damn EGR tube. The right is a piece of cake in comparison.