The long history of Ram trucks might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about heavy-duty diesel pickups, but the fact remains that they have been part of the American landscape since they became popular in 1989.
Cummins engines are an excellent alternative to burning gasoline and was designed with power in mind. Installed in larger trucks and heavy construction equipment, diesel brought a new age of the American vehicle, when previously the modest pickup hadn’t been able to perform as the Cummins-powered Ram. Truck owners choose Cummins diesel for its strength and reliability, which is why they are one of the favorite motor choices for truckers across the globe.
Dodge RAM (12 valve ): 1989 – 1998
The popularity of the very first Dodge Ram has lately increased. The RAM Truck was first introduced by Chrysler in 1981. The Cummins’ popularity comes from the fact that its peak power and torque were quite usable—the redline at only 3,000 RPM. The truck was super simple. They provided a non-intercooled, turbocharged, three-speed automatic transmission, as well as a five-speed manual transmission, between 1989 and 1991.
Specifications:
- It produced 160 hp at 2,500 RPM and 400 lb-ft at 1,600 RPM of performance from 1989 to 1993. Because the 12 valve has an endless source of aftermarket support, these values can effectively be improved.
- 160 hp @ 2,500 RPM in 1994-1995. (automatic).
- From 1994 to 1995, the hp 160 at 2500 RPM (auto), At 1,600 RPM, the torque is 400 lb-ft (automatic), 175 hp at 2,500 revolutions per minute (MNL), and At 1,600 RPM, the torque is 420 lb-ft (MNL.
- From 1996 to 1998, the engine produced 180 hp @ 2,500 RPM, 215 horsepower at 2,600 RPM (MNL), 440 lb-ft at 1,600 RPM auto/CARB 420 lb-ft, and at 1,600 RPM (MNL).
In terms of performance, the VE44 injection pumps are less desired than the later P1700 pumps, but they get the job done. It provides a 5.9-liter Cummins engine highlighted two valves per cylinder and used for solid lifters in 1989. These turbocharged inline six-cylinder were direct-injected. The engine has used Bosch VE44 rotary injection pump from 1989 to 1993. The rotary pump was replaced in 1994 by the P7100 P-Pump, a notorious inline injection pump. It is expertly designed RAM to fit the Cummins turbo diesel engine’s size and power, and the first Cummins-powered RAM reached the streets. It was an instant hit with those looking for more torque and a good option for fuel economy.
From 1994 to 1998,
The Cummins Ram operated with the most currently used engines. The most widely used engine during the 1994 to 1998 period was a 6 BBL common rail engine (ISB). This was equipped with a standard 6-speed handy transmission, and this was the only available through this entire time period. There were also various different fuel kits available for this model of Ram.
Dodge RAM (24 valve Cummins): 1998-2007
From the 1998 to 2007 period, the Cummins Ram changed numerous times in design and performance. The first engine available for this time period was the Cummins ISB6. The 5.9L Cummins was updated as a 24 valve halfway through the 1998 model year and the 6BT solidified its status as one of the most powerful diesel engines ever produced. then phased out in 2007. It would produce the 6.7 midway through 2007 in response to a rising need for lower emissions and more power. The 12 valve’s horsepower and torque output did not improve until 2001 when a high-output variant was launched. The H.O. Cummins added 10 horsepower and 45 lb-ft of torque. Between 1998 and 2000, vehicles with manual transmissions produced 20 horsepower and 40 lb-ft more than trucks with automated transmissions. The NV4500 and 47RE automatic gearboxes were also available, with the manual being the better option. In H.O. models, the NV5600 superseded the NV4500. For these model years, #53 block castings with thin water jackets are a major source of trouble.
In 2003, The 3rd generation of this type of RAM was launched. Significant alterations were made to the body, the most prominent of which was the addition of a wide grille and clean body lines. A high-pressure common rail system replaced the VP44 mechanical injection pump, making these model years highly popular. For 2003, a 555 lb-ft high-output was offered, and this became the standard rating for 2004. In 2004, the H.O. version has 600 lb-ft of torque, compared to 555 lb-ft for the regular model and 460 lb-ft for the California model (the H.O. was not available to CA residents for emissions reasons).
RAM (6.7L Cummins): 2007-Present
In the 2007-2017 period, there were more options available. This time period included the Cummins ISB6.8, the ISB6.7, and the ISB5.9. These engines came with a 6-speed handy transmission, which was standard throughout this time period. Cummins introduced the 6.7L in the middle of 2007. With automatic control, the initial ratings were 350 horsepower and 650 lb-ft, with a derated 610 lb-ft when combined with the manual transmission. It was the first time that a truck with a manual gearbox was derated, since before only automatic had been derated.
In 2010, “Dodge Ram” became “Ram “. The 6.7L Cummins has a diesel particle filter, which affects fuel efficiency and dependability substantially. DPF blockage was a common problem with early engines. Although the DPF may be uninstalled using aftermarket equipment, this effectively removes the truck’s legal status on the road. Three Cummins versions were launched in 2013. Engines with the G56 manual are rated at 350 horsepower and 660 pound-feet of torque. The 68RFE automatic gearbox was used to boost power to 370 hp and 800 lb-ft. A 385 horsepower, 850 lb-ft variant with a medium-duty Aisin 6 gear automatic transmission was also introduced.
In closing, the vanes widen up, reducing back pressure and allowing for more top-end horsepower. The engine complies with 2010 emissions standards, which means it has an EGR cooler, a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), and a catalytic converter. The engine was quieted down significantly, and the 6.7-liter is really 50% quieter than the previous generation 5.9-liter. A factory exhaust brake is also available for the first time.