The 2010-2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 with the 6.7 Cummins diesel engine, also known as the “4th Gen Cummins”, is one of the most popular diesel trucks of all time.
But why?
After all, Cummins-powered Rams spans five (5) generations from 1989 to 2025—so what makes the 4th Gen Cummins so special? To figure it out, we have to look a little closer.
The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Gen Cummins
The 1st Gen (1989-1993), the 2nd Gen (1994-2002), and 3rd Gen (2003-2009) Cummins are all fantastic trucks in their own right. 1st and 2nd Gens offered the legendary 12-valve Cummins engine (24-valve Cummins production took over in 1998), as well as timeless designs.
Additionally, these first two generations are widely considered mechanically stout, and more affordable to repair/own—due to their combination of overbuilt running gear, and a lack of overly complex electronics.
As you move into the 3rd Gen Cummins (2003-2009), Dodge implemented a long list of updates. From an overhauled exterior to the introduction of Common-Rail technology, the 2003-2009 Ram 2500/3500 was a major evolution in the truck’s history.
But, many would argue, it wasn’t until the introduction of the 4th Gen Cummins that Ram really came into its own.
4th Gen Cummins : What’s the hype?
While the 3rd Gen Cummins is (and will always be) a fan-favorite among diesel owners, the 4th Gen Ram 2500/3500 truly has a cult-like following. When Ram introduced the 4th Gen for the 2010 model year, they came out swinging.
From a massively upgraded interior to a completely revised exterior, the 4th Gen Cummins pushed Ram well into the 21st century. The Ram 2500/3500 was no longer a glorified work truck—it was a comfortable, borderline luxury truck (in the right trim level) that could still haul tens of thousands of pounds.
More notably, the 4th Gen Ram retained the highly desirable 6.7 Cummins engine and optional G56 6-speed manual transmission.
Though it required you to custom order your truck, the 4th Gen Ram could be purchased with the luxury-level Laramie interior and a 6-speed manual.
Even back in 2010, manually shifted diesel trucks were quickly becoming scare—much less loaded out with heated leather seats, premium sound, and more.
To this day, a 2010-2018 Ram 2500/3500 Laramie with the 6-speed G56 transmission is one of the most highly sought after (and expensive) used diesel trucks in existence. It’s not uncommon for a Laramie G56 truck to fetch $10,000-30,000 more than the equivalent truck with an automatic transmission.
But the market’s love for the 4th Gen Cummins goes so far beyond transmission options.
4th Gen Cummins Power & Performance
For diesel performance enthusiasts, the 4th Gen Cummins is a fan favorite. Extracting 700+ horsepower from the 6.7 Cummins is not hard to do (we didn’t say cheap), and doesn’t require any ECM swapping or unlocking.
Additionally, since the 4th Gen Ram was offered with several transmission options, including the G56 6-speed manual, 68RFE automatic, and Aisin automatic, owners have a lot of flexibility within their own performance goals.
Put simply, you can setup a 4th Gen Cummins to race, pull, or melt tires in a dozen different ways. These trucks are also prime candidates for swapping in the 48RE transmission offered in older Ram generations.
Loved for their ability to hold BIG horsepower when properly built, “48 swapping” a 4th Gen Cummins is an extremely popular option when power levels exceed 1,000hp or more.
Buying a 4th Gen Cummins
Last but not least, the 4th Gen Cummins can be an extremely affordable platform to get into. The earliest 4th Gens were built 15+ years ago, and can often be bought for $20,000 or less—not bad for a relatively modern diesel truck.
Because the 2013-2018 Ram 2500/3500 is often considered the most desirable 4th Gen, thanks to its revised interior and suspension, the 2010-2012 trucks are even more affordable.
It’s pretty common to see 2010-2012 Ram 2500/3500s selling for $10,000-$15,000 less than the equivalent 2013-2018 truck.
Get your 4th Gen Cummins upgrades from FASS Motorsports!
We’re BIG fans of the 4th Gen Cummins—just look at our parking lot. At any given time, there’s at least two or three 4th Gen Rams hanging around the shop.
Which means, we make a point to offer the best parts and kits we can for them. From complete suspension systems to lights and more, we have the upgrades you’re after.
If you have questions about parts for your truck, give us a shout! You can reach our service team by phone at (636) 429-7020, or by email at info@fassmotorsports.com.
And if you live in or near Washington Missouri, swing by our showroom! We’re located at:
FASS Motorsports
25 Town & Country Drive
Washington, Missouri 63090