History of the Dodge 2500 Diesel
The diesel-powered Dodge Ram 2500 heavy-duty pickup truck is marketed for commercial purposes due to its superior towing capacity and durability. The Ram 2500 is Dodge's 3/4-ton truck that is ranked above the 1/2-ton 1500 models and below the 1-ton dual-rear-wheel 3500 series. Dodge only equips Ram 2500 models and up with a diesel engine.
Background
The Indiana-based Cummins Inc. has had a contract to supply Dodge trucks with diesel engines since 1989. An early Cummins diesel for the Dodge 2500 predecessor, the 1989 to 1993 Ram 250, was equipped with a 5.9-liter inline six-cylinder engine generating 160-horsepower and 400 lb.-feet of torque, according to allpar.com.
The Ram 2500
The Dodge Ram pickup was re-designated the 2500 when the truck underwent a radical redesign for the 1994 model year. The regular-cab version was equipped with only a 6-foot cargo box. A crew cab also was available. Although not designed to handle the workload of the dual-rear-wheel Ram 3500, all Cummins diesels were actually overdesigned to provide towing capabilities beyond what the standard pickup truck engine could handle, according to allpar.com.
2500 Options
The Dodge 2500 is offered as a regular cab, quad cab and the jumbo crew cab. A Ram 2500 off-road version is available through the Power Wagon model that features 33-inch wheels, tuned suspension and a 12,000-lb. capacity winch. A drawback on the jumbo crew cab models is a shortened cargo box to make room for the expanded cab, according to Edmunds.com.
5.9-Liter Cummins
The Dodge Ram 2500 arrived in 2002 with a 5.9-liter Cummins straight six-cylinder turbo diesel engine. It developed 305 hp with a torque rating of a massive 555 lb.-feet. The torque allowed the 2500 to lead all pickups on the market with a trailer towing capacity of more than 16,000 lbs., according to allpar.com.
Diesel Durability
By 2002, 3/4 of all 2500 and 3500 models were powered with the Cummins turbo diesel, while the remainder featured the Hemi V-8. But the towing capacity was only part of its popularity. The turbo diesel had an average lifespan of 350,000 miles even when used as a daily heavy-duty commercial vehicle. Maintenance was only required every 7,500 miles, according to allpar.com.
Increased Output
In 2005, the Cummins 610 became available, which provided 325 hp and 610 lb.-feet of torque. These engines featured an electronic waste-gated high-flow fuel turbocharger that not only boosted output but reduced emissions. It was offered through the end of 2006, when the 6.7-liter Cummins became available, according to allpar.co
6.7-Liter Cummins
The 6.7-liter diesel was introduced for the 2007 model year and as of 2009 remains as the 2500's most powerful engine. It produces 350 hp and 650 lb.-feet of torque. It can carry a total payload of up to 5,130 lbs., with the towing capacity exceeding 16,000 lbs. Cummins equipped the 6.7-liter models with a diesel particulate filter system and absorber catalyst to eliminate particulate emissions and reduce oxides of nitrogen, according to conceptcarz.com.
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