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. One of the major changes to the Dodge truck lineup was discontinuing the D/W and 150/250/350 titles and switching to the Ram 1500 (1/2-ton), 2500 (3/4-ton), or 3500 (1-ton). 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.

The 5.9L Cummins continued to utilize the same heavy-duty cast-iron block and cylinder heads as the original 5.9L. One of the major upgrades to this engine was the new fuel injection system, a Bosch P7100 mechanical injection pump, new fuel injectors, and upgraded pistons. The Bosch P7100 injection pump provided improved fuel flow and upgraded injectors were able to support the increased fuel pressure. Upgrading the fuel injection system would improve the engine’s overall performance. Modifying the piston fuel-bowl design delivered better swirl which would enhance the overall combustion process. To further improve combustion, a larger intercooler was added to the 12 Valve Cummins. For the 1994 model year, the 5.9L Cummins was fitted with a Holset WH1C turbocharger that featured a wastegate. In 1995, it was replaced with the Holset HX35W turbocharger which proved to be much more reliable option to handle increased boost ratings up to 40 PSI. Between 1994-1995 the 5.9L Cummins was rated at 175 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque when paired with the manual transmission and 160 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque with the automatic transmission. These power levels would increase between 1996-1998 up to 215 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque with a manual transmission and 180 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque with an automatic transmission.

The transmission options offered in the 2nd generation trucks with the 5.9L Cummins were the NV4500 5-speed manual transmission or the 47RH/47RE 4-speed automatic transmission. The 47RH 4-speed automatic was offered from 1994-1995 and it was replaced by the 47RE for the 1996-1998 model 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. Cyberpunk Diesel continues to support the 5.9L 12V Cummins with a wide range of performance and stock replacement parts from hundreds of the top manufacturers. If its time for routine maintenance find the Fuel Filters, Oil Filters, and other service components your truck needs. When you want to boost performance and get the most out of your Cummins, check out In-Cab Fuel Controllers, Fuel Injectors, and Fuel Lift Pumps. Make your truck stand out and achieve a custom exhaust sound when you add a Performance Exhaust System paired with a new Cold Air Intake. Cyberpunk Diesel is your one-stop-shop for all your 1994-1998 Dodge 5.9L Cummins needs!