The Chrysler and Cummins relationship started over 30 years ago, and there’s one important artifact that reminds us how far these two companies have come together: the first development truck. The truck was part of the initial fleet of six vehicles that were built to test the viability of a Cummins in-line 6-cylinder diesel engine in a Dodge Ram pickup.
Truck D001 is a 2-wheel-drive standard-cab long-bed 1985 Dodge Ram D350 Prospector. It started life with a V8 gas engine, but a 12-valve rotary-pumped in-line 6 was swapped in for the initial testing. Other than a simple mockup engine that was used to check space claim under the hood, this was the first Cummins 5.9 in a Ram truck. Once the program was approved, the actual test vehicles were assembled.
Troy Simonsen, a pioneer in the automotive diesel industry, recalled the first Cummins-powered Dodge Ram test mule: “I was on hand to test-drive the first prototype Dodge/Cummins diesel pickup, a 2-wheel drive, automatic three-speed. Cummins had set up a test run with comparable Chevy and Ford diesel pickups. It was a thrill to see the Dodge/Cummins outperform both of them with ease.” Cummins went into production in 1989 with the 5.9L for Chrysler, and the rest is history. Truck D001 is the truck that started it all.
Unlike today’s prototype vehicles, which are often scrapped, Truck D001 has continued to perform. For more than 20 years, the truck has been used as a parts runner among facilities and as a shop vehicle for the Cummins Technical Center (CTC). It’s spent most of its time on the highways and interstates in and around Columbus, Ind. The burgundy-and-white paint is faded, the interior is worn and the bed is a little beaten up, but the truck runs as well today as it did in 1985.
Cummins announced on Monday, Dec. 10, the production of the 2 millionth pickup engine for Chrysler Group LLC at its Columbus MidRange Engine Plant (CMEP). The 2012 6.7L in-line 6-cylinder High-Output Cummins Turbo Diesel produces 350 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque, and powers Ram 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty pickup trucks. It is also available in Ram 3500/4500/5500 chassis cabs.
“Today we get the opportunity to hang another banner in the plant,” said Wayne Ripberger, General Manager – Pickup and Light Commercial Vehicle Engine Operations. “This milestone build is a significant achievement for us, and one that we are all very proud of. At Cummins, we take great pride in each and every engine we build – whether it’s the first or the 2 millionth.”
The first Cummins Turbo Diesel engine was produced for Chrysler in 1988 at the Rocky Mount Engine Plant in Rocky Mount, N.C. The 5.9L 12V engine produced 160 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, and started the Cummins and Chrysler partnership.
“We’ve come a long way since 1988,” said Mike Cockell, Ram HD Brand Manager. “We’ve made great improvements to the entire package, but there is one thing that has remained constant: proven Cummins power.” This historic engine will be one of the last MY2012 engines produced at CMEP before production is changed over to the new 2013 6.7L engine. To commemorate this milestone, the engine will be built with a special-edition red breather cover and valve cover.
“We’re proud of our heritage with Cummins, and we’re also excited about the 2013 Cummins Turbo Diesel-powered Ram trucks. We hope to be back here in a couple years celebrating the 2.5 millionth engine,” said Cockell.
On behalf of the Turbo Diesel Register, Geno's Garage, and Cummins, Inc., I would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of the participants of our 7th Annual TDR Calendar Contest.
We were again overwhelmed by the response and overall quality of photographs submitted. We received over 300 different shots which made the selection process difficult.
Issue 78 of the Turbo Diesel Register was shipped with a copy of the calendar enclosed. Additional copies are available at http://www.tdr-online.com. Or you can download a .pdf copy by clicking on the photo above.
Start planning your submission for next year. We plan to encourage Dodge/Cummins Turbo Diesel truck owners to find opportunities to photograph their truck at work or in close proximity to something that represents the rich history of our Country.
Again, we appreciate the time and energy spent preparing these photographs for submission.
Issue 78 of the Turbo Diesel Register was delivered to the post office for mailing in Greenville, SC on Friday, November 2, 2012. Domestic addresses should allow 10 – 14 days for delivery. International addresses (including Canada) should allow 2 – 3 weeks.
The new 2013 Ram Turbo Diesel trucks are featured on the cover, and a four-page in-depth analysis of the truck is a part of this magazine. What else can you find in Issue 78?
- Our annual review of Ram Technical Service Bulletins issued over the past year. - A Technical Topics discussion on “Ditching the 6.7 liter Exhaust Aftertreatment System.” - A TDReview of two books – Red, Black and Global and the Diesel Odyssey of Clessie Cummins. These books give you a behind the scenes look at lots of Turbo Diesel history. Did you know that Ford does not own Cummins? Seriously, here is an interesting fact: the ’03 – ’07 HPCR engine did not require EGR, saving the folks at Chrysler $227 per engine or a cool 150 million dollars over the 4.5 year model run. I think you will like the historical information provided in the TDReview section of this issue. - 6.7-Liter injector matching is covered by both Joe Donnelly and Andy Redmond. - John Holmes talks about transmission temperatures. - Writers Holmes, Magnoli, Anderson, Dagleish and Donnelly also give us lots of service, parts, and accessory updates. - TDR writers address the editor’s question, “What have you discovered lately?” in their articles.
But wait, there’s more.
The 2013 TDR Calendar is included with your magazine. We want to thank all of the TDR Members who took the time to submit their photos. Thanks to digital photography, this year’s entries were the best ever. Over 250 truck owners submitted photographs, and our panel of judges had a very tough time selecting the final photographs for use in the calendar. We plan to use many of these entries throughout the year so that you can see even more TDR Member trucks than the calendar allowed us to display. We are hopeful that the 2013 TDR Calendar finds a prominent place in your home or office as you mark your important dates for 2013.
I would like to also encourage you to participate in Geno’s Garage’s annual community service project for 2012. They selected the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as their project this year. How does their annual project work? From now through December 31, 2012, for every reusable "Starting Fluid" drink tumbler - or – “got diesel?” t-shirt they sell, they will send 100% of the proceeds (not profits) directly to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Consider giving those on your holiday gift list a reusable "Starting Fluid" drink tumbler or “got diesel?” t-shirt. Geno’s Garage has been able to bring back the ever-popular “got diesel?” t-shirt for this year’s charity project with the support of DieselSite.com which owns the trademark.
As you'll read in the report, the RAM folks introduced the new 2013 trucks at the State Fair of Texas last Thursday (September 29, 2012). We worked to a four page report for the upcoming TDR #78 magazine and wanted to quickly share the text with TDR web members. Here is the story. You'll like the horsepower and torque ratings!
Robert Patton TDR Staff
THE NEW 2013 RAM HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS
Definition: back.ground.er: noun, an off-the-record briefing for reporters
The term “backgrounder” was used for the Ram press conference on September 27 at the Texas State Fair where the 2013 Ram Heavy Duty pickup trucks were unveiled to the public. Although I had not used the word before, the on-line Webster dictionary states that the first known use of “backgrounder” was in 1960. Once again I find myself behind the times.
Regardless of the fine points of usage, what was learned at the Ram presentation?
First off, it was a presentation by Ram—not Dodge, not Dodge Ram—simply Ram. We are all familiar with Chrysler’s new branding of the truck as Ram, effective back in the 2009/2010 timeframe. However, traditionalists continued with the “Dodge” nomenclature and insisted that it could only be called “Ram” if there was a new entry on the vehicle identification number (VIN) plate designating Ram as the manufacturer. However, my VIN research for positions 1-3 of the VIN shows they were using “Chrysler Group LLC-Truck” as far back as 2005, before the Cerberus Capital Management ownership. Others tell me that position 5 has recently been changed from “D” to “R”. Regardless, to make it an official stand-alone Ram truck took time: lots of legal and government mumbo-jumbo to go through, not to mention separate franchise agreements which every Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and now Ram dealership was required to sign. So let it be known: the 2013 truck is a Ram. The Ram franchises have been signed.
Okay, back to the Ram backgrounder: The Webster definition suggests that a backgrounder is an “off the record” briefing. Perhaps I should modify my definition of backgrounder to read “product presentation that still allows for surprises, interleaved with unequivocal, take-it-to-the-bank fact.” Such was the take-away from the Texas unveiling: there are still some surprises to be revealed at a location and date to be determined.
Did the Texas backgrounder serve its PR purpose, to build anticipation for the new-and-improved, and leave me wanting still more facts? Without a doubt. Let’s jump into the material that I can share with you.
• 2013 Ram 1500 wins “Truck of Texas”, the highest honor in the Texas Auto Writers Association’s Texas Truck Rodeo • Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn awarded “Luxury Pickup Truck of Texas” • Ram 1500 Laramie named “Full-size Pickup Truck of Texas” • Ram Truck Brand voted “Truck Line of Texas”
The new 2013 Ram 1500 is named “Truck of Texas” by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA). Truck of Texas is TAWA’s highest honor. The Ram 1500 also was awarded Luxury Pickup Truck of Texas for the Laramie Longhorn model. Full-size Pickup Truck of Texas was won by the Ram 1500 Laramie model. Additionally, the Ram Truck brand took the award for Truck Line of Texas.
Journalists evaluated a number of competitive trucks over the course of the two-day "Texas Truck Rodeo" organized by the professional media group. “Automotive reporters have reacted extremely favorably to the new 2013 Ram 1500, and our research tells us that resonates with truck buyers,” said Fred Diaz, a San Antonio, Texas native and President and CEO—Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico, Chrysler Group LLC. “Texas is Ram’s biggest market and we’ve worked relentlessly to build powerful trucks with best-in-class fuel economy and capability for our customers. The pickup market is fiercely competitive and we are proud the Texas Auto Writers have awarded Ram trucks with these coveted titles.” Judging by the 50-plus TAWA members occurs over two full days of uncompromising on- and off-road vehicle evaluation. Consideration is given to everything from interior and exterior styling and off-road capability to the entrant’s overall utility, value and fuel efficiency. More than 60 pickups, SUVs and crossover vehicles were entered in this year’s event.
“Our members overwhelmingly chose the 2013 Ram 1500 as the Truck of Texas and the truck for Texans. The new Ram 1500 is amazing,” said Michael Herzing, Texas Auto Writers Association President. “The new technologies in this truck are true game changers and raise the bar for the competition. You’ve got to love how tough, capable, comfortable, and fuel efficient this new truck is, especially for Texans who frequently drive long distances. Until we drove it, we couldn’t believe a truck this nice and capable could achieve 25 miles to a gallon like the Ram does. It blew our members away.”
The Texas Auto Writers Association competition names three overall winners, including Truck of Texas, SUV of Texas and Crossover of Texas, along with 12 additional categories. “Texas accounts for nearly 20 percent of the total U.S. pickup market and has earned the ‘Center of the Truck Universe’ title,” according to Diaz. “Honoring the 2013 Ram 1500 with the all-around Truck of Texas award is important to our customers, our dealers and our Company.”
Ram 1500 For 2013, the new Ram 1500 offers buyers best-in-class fuel efficiency, new technology and new features without sacrificing capability. Ram 1500 – the most recognizable pickup on the road – raises the bar with a truckload of pioneering, fuel-saving systems and first-in-segment technologies: eight-speed TorqueFlite 8 transmission, stop-start and active aerodynamics, including grille shutters and air suspension. Ram engineers changed every area of the truck – from a newly designed frame to new engines and transmissions to a new interior with the next-generation Uconnect® system. With best-in-class ride and handling and best-in-class aerodynamics, the 2013 Ram 1500 delivers unmatched content, performance and capability to truck buyers. 2013 Ram 1500 prices start at $23,585.
The 2013 Ram 1500 marks a milestone for Ram as this truck delivers best-in-class fuel economy of 18 MPG city and 25 MPG highway with a truckload of pioneering, fuel-saving systems including a more fuel efficient and more powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine and first-in-segment technologies: eight-speed automatic transmission, stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, including grille shutters and air suspension. The 2013 Ram 1500 is available in nine trim levels and starts at $23,585 including $995 destination charge.
Ram Laramie Longhorn The Ram Laramie Longhorn was shown for the first time Sept. 23, 2010 at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Ram Laramie Longhorn is one of the most luxurious truck ever produced by the Chrysler Group, and is designed for the owner who needs a truck for work or play, but won’t settle for anything but the finest quality and refinement. Inside and out, Laramie Longhorn is loaded with remarkable features and design cues from traditionally handcrafted, time-tested wares, such as the antique pocket watch, a horseman's saddlebags, a collector’s-grade shotgun or fine furniture. Ram Laramie Longhorn edition models are also prominently commemorated with distinctive Western-style exterior badges. A chrome metal Laramie Longhorn edition badge with painted accents is mounted to the tailgate while eye-catching model-specific (1500, 2500 or 3500) Laramie Longhorn edition badges adorn the doors. Ram Trucks
The Ram Truck brand continues to establish its own identity and clearly define its customer. The brand has emerged as a full-size truck leader by investing substantially in new products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and features that further enhance their capabilities. Truck customers – from half-ton to commercial – have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. The Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 pickups: 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs and Ram Cargo Van are designed to deliver a total package.
For 2013, the Ram 1500 grabs the title of best-in-class fuel economy for the half-ton segment with a number of exclusive technologies including a new V-6 engine, eight-speed transmission, stop-start system, air suspension and active grille shutters.
The 2013 Ram Heavy Duty brings best-in-class capability and innovative new features to the heavy-duty segment with an uncompromising attitude that remains the standard for all full-size heavy-duty pickups. Ram Heavy Duty also delivers the performance and amenities customers demand, for example the most off-road capable pickup on the market – the award-winning Ram Power Wagon. Ram also offers the only factory-engineered CNG truck. The Ram 2500 CNG is bi-fuel, capable of operating on compressed natural gas or gasoline.
The Ram Truck brand offers best-in-class capabilities on its hardest-working trucks – the Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab trucks. The Chassis Cab trucks provide customers with first-time innovations and features along with new standards of strength, utility and drivability. Building on Ram Truck's leadership in the heavy-duty pickup segment, Ram’s commercial-grade work trucks are built on proven frames and chassis and engineered for maximum uptime, low cost of ownership, optimum performance and enhanced commercial capability.
When it comes to capability, the Ram C/V out-works competitive vans on a number of fronts by delivering best-in-class payload, cargo space, towing and turning radius. Equipped with the award-winning Pentastar engine, the Ram C/V also delivers best-in-class horsepower, torque and driving range.
The Ram Truck brand has the most innovative lineup of full-size trucks on the market. Ram Truck has emerged as a full-size truck leader by investing substantially in new products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and features that further enhance their capabilities. Ram trucks now boast these segment exclusives:
• Coil-spring rear suspension on Ram 1500 for best-in-class ride and handling • Available RamBox lockable and lighted bedside storage • In-floor storage on all Ram Crew Cabs • The largest cab in the market – Ram HD Mega Cab • Standard six-speed manual transmission on all diesel models Truck customers, from half-ton to commercial, have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. Ram trucks are designed to deliver a total package.
On August 25, 2012 in Dresden, Ontario, Canada Dodge Ram broke the world record of the longest pickup parade - 273 Ram trucks. The previous record was 250 trucks. Congratulations to everyone who participated.
All proceeds from this event went to the Canadian Mental Heath Institute.
Issue 77 of the Turbo Diesel Register went out in the mail on Friday, August 3, 2012. Domestic addresses should allow 10 - 14 days for delivery. International addresses (including Canada) should allow 2 - 3 weeks.
So far, we are hearing favorable comments about the cover. It is a compilation of photographs that were submitted for past TDR Member calendars. Congratulations to each of you for these great photographs - Chris Gray, Manuel Capdevila, Eric Spurlock, Lars Wells, Derrill Barnickle, David McNall, Pat McQuada, Paul Mierop, Robert Herzberg, Charles Stockton, Neil Winnemore, Tim Allread, Mark Yeary, Edwin Green, James Arnold, and Tim Sims! I think you'll like this cover. Please note that we have begun accepting submissions for the 2013 Turbo Diesel Calendar. So get your cameras and cell phones out and start snapping some photographs. We anxiously await your submission. In addition to this great cover, what else can you expect in Issue 77?
Test your knowledge of the Third Generation truck by critiquing the editor's, "Technical Topics" article on, "Wish I'd Known That . . . " where I try to identify the '03 - '09 trucks' strengths and weaknesses. Let us know if there are things I overlooked by sending me a quick e-mail by clicking here.
In Issue 77 I asked the writers to include their thoughts about a "wish I'd known that" moment as related to the ownership of their truck. Their "known that" stories are about fast cars, women, alcohol, marriage, gambling, etc. and provided me great entertainment. Unfortunately, while funny, most did not make it to the final copy you will receive.
The theme came from a new TDR member. They key motivation behind the purchase of his truck was "the legendary Cummins engine." But he was having trouble dialing in the truck. Pesky problems had him perplexed. Eventually he found the TDR and helpful TDR members came to the rescue. He sent me a letter praising the website members and expressing his sincere appreciation for all of the help.
Other articles include:
- Do you need extra filtration for your '03 and newer high pressure common rail (HPCR) engine?
- Writers Holmes, Leno, Anderson, Dagleish and Donnelly give us lots of service, parts and accessory updates.
- Doug Leno gives us an update on Third Generation suspension components.
- Robert Schwarzli gives us a look at the new 2013 RAM 1500. What might this foreshadow for our 2500/3500 trucks?
- CMEP celebrates 20 years of engine production.
- Kevin Cameron takes us back to the 1940's to help us understand today's diesel engine.
Enjoy Issue 77, and please spread the word about the Turbo Diesel Register.
DETROIT -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Chrysler Group LLC recognized Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) as the 2012 Sustainability Supplier of the Year during the company's 2012 Annual Strategy Meeting and Supplier Awards Ceremony on June 6 at the Fox Theatre in Detroit.
“In addition to reducing its environmental footprint, Cummins is highly adept at involving its employees in public-service environmental projects. Its management and employees should be very proud of their accomplishments.”
Of the 12 awards given to top suppliers, Supplier of the Year was awarded to Cummins in the category of Sustainability. Nominations were based on the following criteria:
- Significance to environmental, social and economic sustainability - Impact of the contribution - Innovation and originality - Transferability across or within supply chain
“Being selected as the Sustainability Supplier of the Year is a significant honor and great recognition for all the hard work we have done at Cummins to ensure sustainability,” said Ric Kleine, Vice President – MidRange On-Highway Business. “At Cummins, we believe that sustainability drives business success.”
Cummins Inc. has enjoyed strong growth, which continued in 2011 with record revenue of $18 billion. Cummins sustainability commitment includes initiatives to build stronger communities, reduce its environmental footprint and fund the research and development necessary to ensure future success.
Even the plant that has supplied Cummins Turbo Diesel engines to Ram for over 20 years was originally built as a “green” facility. The Columbus Midrange Engine Plant (CMEP) was built in 1971, and its innovative design placed operations mostly below ground with parking on the roof. This low unobtrusive profile has led to greater energy efficiency.
“Keeping operational costs low is vital,” said Wayne Ripberger, General Manager – Pickup and Light Commercial Vehicle Engine Operations. “Utilizing the plant’s design, we are able to capitalize on its environmental benefits, and that has helped contribute to our success over the past 20 years.”
Cummins is committed to reducing the company’s environmental footprint as part of its corporate responsibility value to serve and improve the communities in which it operates. Building stronger communities will ultimately result in stronger markets for its products.
“We selected Cummins for the breadth and depth of its sustainability program, which covers all three areas of the ‘triple bottom line’: people, planet and profit," said Greg Rose, Chrysler Group LLC Director of Sustainability, Environment, Health and Safety. “In addition to reducing its environmental footprint, Cummins is highly adept at involving its employees in public-service environmental projects. Its management and employees should be very proud of their accomplishments.”
TDR Members, Issue 76 was mailed from the printer’s facility on April 30, 2012. Please allow 10 – 14 days for delivery to your mailbox.
Issue 76 is destined to be one of your favorites. How so? Remember the one-year long, everything you ever wanted to know about engine lube oils expose written by John Martin back in 2007 (TDR Issues 54 – 58)? Its focus was on the change from the oil specification CI+4 to CJ. John helped us to understand why the change was not necessarily for the better. For the most part you can no longer purchase the old CI+4 specification oil. So who has the best CJ lubricant? John helps us find out in his article, “Lube Oils – Version 2012.”
Another reason that Issue 76 is one of our favorites is an article that looks at fuel transfer pumps for the Third Generation trucks with specific emphasis on the ’05 and newer trucks, which have the transfer pump in the fuel tank. Inspired by TDR Writer, David Magnoli’ s dual fuel transfer pump arrangement (Issue 69, page 67, “Parallel (Duplicate) Lift Pumps”), I crawled under my 2010 truck and installed a duplicate transfer pump and filter. I hope you will learn something from my trials by reading “Fool Transfer Pump Retrofit.”
As the theme for Issue 76, I asked the writers to cite any articles, website discussions, or unique truck items that they might have seen at a show or rally and tell us how they were inspired to make a change to their truck. You will be entertained and enlightened by their responses.
What else is in Issue 76?
- A continuation of our discussion on the price of gasoline versus diesel fuel in our “BITW” column. - Writer Greg Whale talks about a “Bunch of Whiners.” - Writer Mark Barnes discusses “Customer Service.” - Writer Kevin Cameron tells us about “Piston Evolution.” - Writers John Holmes, Andy Redmond, Jim Anderson, Joe Donnelly and Scott Dalgleish give us lots of service, parts and accessory updates in their columns. - Writer Robert Patton gives you a follow up on accessories installed on the 2010 project, Mr. Schwarz.
And on the cover of Issue 76, check out Jerry Jason's truck as he splashes his way through the Gulf of Mexico. Nice shot, Jerry!
Enjoy Issue 76, and please spread the word about our membership group.
Another Turbo Diesel Register in 2010? What do you think about the possibility of a to Nissan with a Cummins Turbo Diesel? Here is a link to an article we found at http://www.reuters.com titled, "Niss...
I've been a long-time interweb user.I use search motors to help me find stuff. That's how I found you'ns at the TRD. Uh, TDR.I've even used Internet Exploder once or twice when I got the...
So this guy comes into Dunkin Donuts in his AIG sweatshirt, and his date has on a Merrill Lynch ball cap. I guess there was something about the couple that just caught my eye beca...
= Members only feature
The Chrysler and Cummins relationship started over 30 years ago, and there’s one important artifact that reminds us how far these two companies have come together: the first development truck. The truck was part of the initial fleet of six vehicles that were built to test the viability of a Cummins in-line 6-cylinder diesel engine in a Dodge Ram pickup. 
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Cummins announced on Monday, Dec. 10, the production of the 2 millionth pickup engine for Chrysler Group LLC at its Columbus MidRange Engine Plant (CMEP). The 2012 6.7L in-line 6-cylinder High-Output Cummins Turbo Diesel produces 350 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque, and powers Ram 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty pickup trucks. It is also available in Ram 3500/4500/5500 chassis cabs. 
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TDR Members, Issue 76 was mailed from the printer’s facility on April 30, 2012. Please allow 10 – 14 days for delivery to your mailbox. 
