In 2003 the third generation of Cummins-powered trucks were introduced. These Dodge Ram trucks received some major upgrades including new body styles, driveline components, and the state-of-the-art common-rail 5.9L Cummins. Dodge continued to incorporate a big-rig style appearance on the 3rd generation trucks, while updating the grille and headlights for a slightly more modern look. To increase the durability of the Dodge Ram pickups, the Dana Corp axles were replaced by General Motors AAM front and rear axles. As the battle between diesel manufacturers for highest horsepower and torque continued, Cummins needed to make some changes to the 5.9L Cummins. The 24 valve 5.9L Cummins switched from the VP44 injection pump to an electronically controlled common-rail fuel system that provided more accurate fueling, and improved overall performance and reliability.

The common-rail 5.9L engine block was cast in a stronger gray-iron, with reinforced rails and a stiffener plate to handle the increased power. Inside this engine were the same cast-aluminum pistons and forged-steel connecting rods as the previous generation 5.9L Cummins. Utilizing a common-rail fuel injection system was the key to significantly boosting horsepower and torque. The common-rail fuel injection system uses a lift pump to send fuel to the CP3 injection pump, then sends the pressurized fuel to the “common” fuel rail and distributed to the electronic injectors. The Bosch CP3 injection pump is well-known for being a reliable fuel system component that Cummins continued to use on their engines for the next 15 years. Paired with the CP3 injection pump are Bosch solenoid-activated electronic fuel injectors. These injectors are controlled by the ECM to produce 2 injection events per stroke and are constructed with 8 hole nozzles that spray at a 143 degree angle. Fitted to this upgraded 24 valve Cummins was the Holset HE341CW turbocharger. This fixed-geometry turbocharger featured a mechanically-actuated internal wastegate instead of the external wastegate used on previous models.

Coupled with the Common-Rail 5.9L 24 valve Cummins were the 48RE 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and the NV5600 6-speed manual transmission that provided an extra boost in horsepower and torque. From 2003-2004 the 5.9L Cummins with the automatic transmission was rated at 235 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. When paired with a manual transmission the 5.9L Cummins was rated at 305 hp and 555 lb-ft of torque. With the newly featured electronics in the common-rail 5.9L 24 Valve Cummins adding Chips, Modules, and Programmers can help significantly increase horsepower and torque. The 5.9L 24 valve Cummins has earned a reputation for million mile longevity, as a result Cyberpunk Diesel supplies parts from many aftermarket manufacturers continue to support it with a wide range of stock replacement and performance parts. Maintain factory performance and function of your 5.9L 24 valve Cummins with high-quality Oil Filters, Transmission Filters, Fuel Filters, and more from Cyberpunk Diesel. Boost the engine performance in your truck with Upgraded Fuel Injectors, Turbo Upgrades, and Fuel Lift Pumps. Cyberpunk Diesel is your one-stop-shop for everything your 2003-2004 Dodge 5.9L 24V Cummins needs.