1994 - 1998 5.9L 12V Cummins

Following the success of the release of the 5.9L Cummins, Dodge completely redesigned their truck lineup for the 1994 model year. The 2nd generation pickups featured all new body styles, drivetrain components, and the improved 5.9L 12 Valve Cummins diesel engine. Upgrades to the 5.9L Cummins included a new fuel injection pump, injectors, a larger intercooler, and a new turbocharger. With all these new enhancements the 5.9L Cummins had improved reliability and performance. Along with the designation changes was the major body style upgrades, including a tall hood and prominent grille front and center, flanked by fenders that sat down low. The big-rig styling of the 2nd generation pickups became Ram’s signature look that would continue to influence the appearances of all their trucks for the next 20+ years.

Dodge truck sales grew from less than 100,000 trucks in 1993, to a staggering 232,000 trucks in 1994. Sales kept climbing and by 1996 Dodge was selling close to 400,000 trucks per year. The 5.9L 12V Cummins is still a highly sought-after engine for racing and other high-performance applications. The heavy-duty design of this engine can easily handle power of over 1,000 hp with some simple upgrades. This engine has proved its reliability over the years and even with performance upgrades, the 5.9L Cummins can hold up for hundreds of thousands of miles before needing any major repairs.