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In Part 1 of this article, we looked at the 1st through 3rd generations of the Cummins engine in RAM diesel trucks. In part two we look at the most modern and current generations of Cummins engines.
The earlier generations of Cummins engines are well-known and have a solid reputation among enthusiasts. The biggest draw for these generations is still the lack of emissions equipment and strong reliability that is well-proven over the years. So, how do the more modern generations stack up?
There’s no doubt that if you want modern equipment and luxury on your truck, the current Dodge Ram models far outclass the earlier generations. But the question for enthusiasts is always about the engines. Let’s take a look.
Images copyright and courtesy of Bring a Trailer
Even though the new, emissions standards-compliant 6.7-liter Cummins was put in Ram HD trucks beginning in the middle of 2007, the true beginning of the 4th Generation was in 2010. This new generation offered a big selection of features and modern technology compared to the previous generation.
Quad cab Ram trucks were replaced with crew cabs, and a wide variety of new trims were added to give the interior a boost in niceties. This generation saw the addition of the Laramie Longhorn and Limited trims, which gave the Ram trucks a reputation for luxury interiors compared to its rivals.
As for the Cummins engine for this generation, the power ratings varied. Between 2007 and 2018, the Cummins engine improved by about 200 pound-feet of torque and 35 horsepower. For example, the engine between 2011 and 2012 with the 68RFE automatic transmission had 350 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque.
By 2013, these ratings changed to 370 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque. Dually trucks with the Aisin automatic transmission improved to as much as 385 horsepower and 930 pound-feet of torque by 2018.
Changing emissions standards was the biggest driver for the debut of the 4th Generation Cummins engine. However, power was another issue. The 3rd Generation Cummins with the 5.9-liter engine was a reliable and powerful engine, but it was unable to meet the stricter emissions requirements being put into place at the time.
Dodge needed a new engine that featured cleaner emissions and more power, thus the 4th Generation was born.
The 4th Generation Cummins engine was around for nearly a decade before Ram decided to release the 5th Generation. The arrival of the 5th Generation was widely lauded with many reviews calling it the most powerful and capable Ram truck yet.
The standard 6.7-liter engine for this generation was capable of 850 pound-feet of torque and 370 horsepower when paired with the 68RFE automatic transmission. However, a High-Output 6.7-liter Cummins was also made available, and this one put out an impressive 1,000 pound-feet of torque and 400 horsepower straight from the factory.
Ram trucks in the 2500 and 3500 range make between 370 and 400 horsepower for this generation. The differences largely depend on the truck’s configuration. For example, the Ram 3500 trucks with the Aisin six-speed transmission can make 400 horsepower and 1,000 pound-feet of torque.
These are the High-Output models and can tow just about anything you need. The standard models are equipped with the 68RFE transmission and have a lower power output of 850 pound-feet of torque and 370 horsepower, which is still enough for the average person’s towing needs.
Moving forward to the present, a 2022 Ram 2500 can tow up to 20,000 pounds when equipped with the 6.7-liter Cummins engine. The 2022 Ram 3500 can tow up to 37,090 pounds when equipped with the High-Output 6.7-liter Cummins engine.
The next generation of Ram trucks is expected to come out in 2027, and the 2023 Ram trucks will be getting various tech upgrades in the meantime. There are a number of rumors circulating about the future of Cummins diesel engines for Ram trucks, but it’s unlikely that they’re going away anytime soon.
In fact, Cummins remains hard at work to make the next generation even cleaner when it comes to emissions standards.
Count on ProSource Diesel for all your Cummins diesel parts needs. We stock a wide selection of aftermarket Cummins parts, Cummins engine parts, and upgrades for Cummins, Powerstroke, and Duramax engines. We have you covered whether you need OEM diesel truck parts or quality aftermarket diesel parts.
