General Question for the Board

B&W 2500 · 11-10-2011, 03:10 PM

We currently own a 2nd generation CTD Ram that's given us much good service. I've been made an interesting offer for it, however, so now I'm researching the 3rd generation CTD history to see if they're a viable replacement.

There are probably hundreds of good questions to ask about this topic, but one comes to my mind right away: In which model years did Cummins start adding pollution reduction systems to their ISB engines?

Other than the typical lift pump issue -- and the resultant VP44 replacement -- I haven't had to put many wrenches on our ISB. I've done enough work under the Ram's hood, however, to know that there's enough room to work and that the design is fairly straightforward. I (personally) wouldn't want some of the issues that the 4th generation owners are having or, more specifically, a crammed engine bay that's nearly impossible to decipher.

Thanks for your time,
B&W

RWH · 11-10-2011, 03:22 PM

If your referring to the DPF system, I believe it started in 2007.5 when the 6.7 started coming in them.

B&W 2500 · 11-10-2011, 03:34 PM

I see that you own a 2005 CTD, Smokinwe. I'm no 3rd generation expert, but is your engine the 610 version of ISB?

It also looks like you've spent some time under the hood ... In general, how is it to work under your hood?

Once again, we're looking for a good used truck to replace our 2nd generation Ram; hence, the questions.

RWH · 11-10-2011, 03:43 PM

My truck is the 325hp-610tq version. 04.5 to 07.5 are the years that i would recommend. Each of these years have only slight differences, mostly cosmetic and interior. Really easy under the hood. everything is very accessible. no contortionists here.

CantStopCummins · 11-10-2011, 04:24 PM

agreed, I love my 05 and since I've had it, the only problem I have had is a serpentine belt that went because the a/c was broken and the pulley came loose. As long as you keep up with the oil changes, filter changes, and other fluids, they are very reliable. Also, the engine is very easy to get around in when doing modifications and even when it was stock, the power was great. If you have any specific questions, feel free to pm me or just ask here. Goodluck with the sale!

***TX_Dj*** · 11-10-2011, 05:42 PM

07.5 == 6.7L with all the DPF/EGR/etc madness.

07 is the newest I'd go, which is how I ended up with my truck.

In the early 3rd gens there were no emissions controls at all. I *think* it was 04.5(?) that cats started being installed.

The cats in these trucks present very little backpressure issues for STOCK trucks. If you crank up to make major SMOKEY power, they'll get plugged up. Other than that, if you stay stock, you have no reason really to fear a cat.

Any truck/engine will have its problems, especially if the PO(s) failed to maintain or were happy to abuse the truck for you before you bought it. In my case, the PO did just that and the independent dealer that sold it to me did a great job of shining up a turd. I've sunk 1/2 the purchase price into repairs and upgrades so far, and it just gets better with each one.

I plan on keeping the truck a very ... VERY long time, so I'm not too concerned about what it's costing me to bring it back up to tip top shape right now.