Cummins Diesel VIN Identification Guide: 5.9L & 6.7L Engines in Dodge and Ram Trucks (1989–2025)

If you own or are shopping for a Cummins-powered Dodge or Ram pickup, knowing your engine’s generation is crucial for maintenance, upgrades, and parts compatibility. The 8th digit of your VIN reveals which Cummins engine and fuel system your truck uses. Here’s a comprehensive guide covering every generation, including the transition from Dodge Ram to Ram in 2011, model years, VIN codes, fuel injection pump types, and key vehicle applications.

How to use this guide:

  1. Find the 8th digit of your VIN.
  2. Match it to the corresponding Cummins generation below.
  3. Review engine details, common issues, and upgrade options.

Engine Generations, VIN Codes & Fuel System Details

Gen 1: 1989–1993 – 5.9L Cummins VE Pump (VIN “C”)

  • Models: Dodge Ram 250/350

  • VIN Code: C

  • Fuel System: Bosch VE rotary mechanical injection pump

    • Simple, reliable, mechanical system with moderate power potential.

  • Horsepower/Torque: 160–175 hp / 400–440 lb-ft (varies by year)

  • Notes: The original “12-valve” Cummins–famed for reliability and mechanical simplicity.

  • Common Issues & Upgrades:

    • Lift Pump Failure – Airdog 100GPH Lift Pump: Helps prevent low fuel pressure, protects your injection pump, and supports future power upgrades.

Gen 2: 1994–1998 – 5.9L Cummins P7100 Pump (VIN “C” or “D”)

  • Models: Dodge Ram 2500/3500

  • VIN Code: C or D

  • Fuel System: Bosch P7100 inline mechanical injection pump (“P-pump”)

    • Highly desirable for power builds, mechanical tuning, and durability.

  • Horsepower/Torque: 175–215 hp / 420–440 lb-ft (varies by year and model)

  • Notes: Still 12-valve through 1998; legendary for mechanical strength and mod potential.

  • Common Issues & Upgrades:

    • Killer Dowel Pin – Killer Dowel Pin Kit:Locks the dowel pin in place to avoid catastrophic timing case damage and expensive engine repairs.

Gen 2 (Late): 1998.5–2002 – 5.9L Cummins VP44 Pump (VIN “6”)

  • Models: Dodge Ram 2500/3500

  • VIN Code: 6

  • Fuel System: Bosch VP44 electronic rotary injection pump

    • 24-valve head, electronic timing, more emissions controls.

  • Horsepower/Torque: 215–245 hp / 420–505 lb-ft

  • Notes: Known for improved drivability and performance, but VP44 electronics can be failure-prone.

  • Common Issues & Upgrades:

Gen 3: 2003–2007 – 5.9L Cummins CP3 Pump (VIN “C”)

  • Models: Dodge Ram 2500/3500

  • VIN Code: C

  • Fuel System: Bosch CP3 high-pressure common-rail injection

    • Major leap in power, refinement, and emissions compliance.

  • Horsepower/Torque: 305–325 hp / 555–610 lb-ft

  • Notes: Last of the 5.9L Cummins; highly sought after for tuning and reliability.

  • Common Issues & Upgrades:

    • Fuel Control Actuator – Bosch Fuel Control Actuator: Restores proper rail pressure control, smooths idle and throttle response, and helps prevent hard-start and low-power issues.

Gen 3: 2007.5–2010 – 6.7L Cummins CP3 Pump (VIN “A”)

  • Models: Dodge Ram 2500/3500

  • VIN Code: A

  • Fuel System: Bosch CP3 high-pressure common-rail injection

    • Introduction of the 6.7L, DPF emissions, and variable-geometry turbo.

  • Horsepower/Torque: 350 hp / 650 lb-ft (varies by year)

  • Notes: First 6.7L in pickups; more emissions equipment, more torque.

  • Common Issues & Upgrades:

    • Head Gasket Failure – Complete Top End Head Gasket/Stud Kit: Reinforces the top end to handle higher boost, helps prevent future gasket failures, and keeps combustion pressure where it belongs.

Gen 4: 2011–2018 – 6.7L Cummins CP3 Pump (VIN “L”)

  • Models: Ram 2500/3500/4500/5500 (Note: “Dodge” dropped, now “Ram”)

  • VIN Code: L

  • Fuel System: Bosch CP3 high-pressure common-rail injection

    • Improved emissions, higher output, and new body/interior.

  • Horsepower/Torque: 350–385 hp / 800–930 lb-ft (varies by model/year)

  • Notes: “Ram” becomes its own brand in 2011; 4th Gen trucks are among the most popular ever.

  • Common Issues & Upgrades:

    • Head Gasket Failure – Complete Top End Head Gasket/Stud Kit: Reinforces the top end to handle higher boost, helps prevent future gasket failures, and keeps combustion pressure where it belongs.

Gen 5: 2019–2025 – 6.7L Cummins (VIN “L”)

  • Models: Ram 2500/3500/4500/5500

  • VIN Code: L

  • Fuel System: Bosch CP4 (Early years 2019-2020) , CP3 (Late years 2021+)

    • Output increased, new emissions systems, and further interior/exterior updates.

    • Ram Recall on 222,410 2019 & 2020 Ram Pickups for CP4 pumps Inspection / Replacement to CP3 Pump

  • Horsepower/Torque: Up to 420 hp / 1,075 lb-ft (High Output models)

  • Notes: Continues with “Ram” branding; latest technology and highest output to date.

  • Common Issues & Upgrades:

    • VGT Actuator Failure/Turbocharger Breakdown – BD Diesel Screamer Turbocharger: Replaces a failing factory turbo with a stronger, higher-flow unit that maintains VGT and exhaust brake function while improving response and reliability.

Dodge Ram to Ram: The Name Change

  • Pre-2010: Trucks branded as “Dodge Ram.”

  • 2011 and newer: Trucks branded as “Ram” (standalone brand).

Why VIN Identification Matters

  • Parts Compatibility: Injection pumps, injectors, turbos, and electronics differ by generation.

  • Performance Upgrades: Tuning, fueling, and emissions solutions are engine-specific.

  • Maintenance: Each generation has unique service intervals and known issues.

How to Find Your VIN:
Check the driver’s side dashboard (visible through the windshield) or your registration/title. The 8th character is your Cummins engine code.

Need help with Cummins upgrades, repairs, or tuning?
At NorCal Diesel Performance, we know every Cummins generation inside and out. Bring us your VIN and let’s make your Dodge or Ram Cummins the best it can be!

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