There aren't many vehicles out there that can lug around tons of payload one moment and melt tires in a quarter-mile drag the next. If we had to choose a dual personality truck that fit both of those requirements, our pick would be a Dodge Ram 2500 Heavy Duty with the Cummins 5.9L I-6 turbodiesel, preferably a regular-cab, longbed model for its weight savings.
With a mid-year bump in power, the Cummins 600 now makes enough torque at 610 lb-ft, that some would swear it is enough twist to send the Earth's rotation askew with one unrestrained stab at the go-pedal. Horsepower is still rated at 325, a good number if you want to make a new Mustang owner turn green with envy.
When the Cummins engine was introduced in the Ram, it revolutionized the light-duty truck market by becoming the first medium-duty commercial truck engine to find its way into a consumer truck. That pedigree continues to earn the Cummins a reputation that has owners often saying these engines outlast the trucks they are put into. While we wouldn't go quite that far, the Cummins motor still offers several important advantages that should be considered when considering a diesel truck. Almost single-handedly, the Cummins catapulted the Dodge Ram from yesterday's leftovers to one of the best-regarded 3/4- and 1-ton trucks available.
First off, the Cummins meets 50-state emissions requirements and has been designed to reliably overcome extreme temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of such heavy-duty components as premium exhaust valves and seats, high-strength exhaust manifolds, gallery-cooled pistons, and an oil bath turbo system, the Cummins is rated for 350,000 miles before a major overhaul, 100,000 miles better than the 6.0L International Power Stroke. The Cummins also offers best-in-class oil change intervals of 15,000 miles and is the only diesel engine in the 3/4-ton or 1-ton category that is pre-equipped for an exhaust brake.
Backed by either a robust six-speed manual tranny or sturdy 48RE four-speed automatic transmission that can handle huge torque loads, its easy to see why Dodge owners are so passionate about their heavy-duty choice, and why so many choose Dodge, when the need for stoutness and long-term durability come into play for racing or hauling. Because of this tough drivetrain, the Ram is an awesome foundation for huge power build-ups, with owners reliably able to touch 1,100 lb-ft or more with the right parts.
Gushing aside, one complaint we have about the Cummins is that it is noticeably noisier than other engines offered in the segment, and the big-six transmits more noise vibration and harshness into the cabin than the others. A good illustration of this is on shut-down when the Cummins reluctantly shudders to a stop, just one more reminder of its commercial truck roots.
Driving the regular cab Ram turbodiesel around town is as close to fun as someone should have in a vehicle designed to tow 7 tons, and something you might not expect from a 3-ton truck. As we have noted before, the Ram has fairly quick steering, which makes the hulking truck feel a couple of notches nimbler than the competition. One thing we quickly discovered is that with so much asphalt-ripping torque underfoot, too much of the accelerator in an empty truck will coax the rear end to show its affinity for hanging out in corners, which can make for exciting commutes in the rain. There is nothing like a downshift and turbo-spooling up in mid-turn-yee haw! While the ride of the Ram is acceptable, you won't mistake it for a 1/2-ton truck. We consider the two-wheel-drive model to be a little bit easier on the kidneys when driving around town.
We also like the regular-cab Ram's best-in-class interior room, which offers plenty of room to find a good seating position, as well as recline. There are large areas for storage behind the firm but comfortable seats. All in all, the Ram is a comfortable place to do business.
Whether your job requires a truck for towing and hauling, or your thing is toying with imports at the track, you won't be disappointed in the Dodge Ram Cummins 600, which offers the best of both worlds and one solid foundation for the diesel project you have always wanted.
SpecificationsGeneralMake/model: '05 Dodge Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Regular CabBase Price: $27,545
EngineType: H.O. Cummins turbodiesel I-6Displacement (liter/ci): 5.9/359Bore x Stroke (in): 4.02 x 4.72Valvetrain: OHV, 24 valves, solid liftersCompression Ratio: 17.2:1Aspiration: Common Rail high-pressure EFI, turbocharged, air-to-air intercoolingMfg.'s hp: 325 at 2,900 rpmMfg.'s torque (lb-ft): 600 at 1,600
DrivetrainTransmission: 48RE four-speed OverdriveRatios (:1)First-2.45Second-1.45Third-1.00Fourth-0.69Reverse-2.20Axle Ratio: 4.10:1Low Range Ratio: 2.72:1
Frame/BodyFrame: Steel ladder frameBody: Steel
Suspension/AxlesFront: SLA independent with coil springs and shocksRear: Live solid with leaf and shocks
SteeringType: Power-assistedTurns (lock-to-lock): 3Turning Radius: 44.6 ft
BrakesFront: 13.9-inch vented disc, twin-piston caliper, ABSRear: 13.9-inch disc, twin-piston caliper, ABS
Wheels/TiresWheels: 17-inch chrome steelTires: LT265/70R17E
Fuel EconomyEPA (city/highway) mpg: N/A
Dimensions/CapacitiesBase Curb Weight (lb): 6,253Wheelbase (in): 140.5Overall Length (in): 229.7Overall Width (in): 79.6Height (in): 74.5Track (front/rear) (in): 68.6/68.2Ground Clearance (front/rear) (in): 8.4/7.1GVWR (lb): 9,000Payload (lb): 2,750Maximum Towing Capacity (lb): 13,600Fuel Capacity (gal): 35Seating