Chrysler-Cummins Diesel Truck Program

The current trend by Class 2 and 3 truck manufacturers is to offer diesel engine options to those customers requiring more usable torque, better fuel economy and longer engine life than can be obtained from large displacement gasoline engines.

This paper documents the collective efforts of Chrysler Motors and Cummins Engine Company to engineer the turbocharged, direct injection Cummins 6BT5.9 diesel engine into the Dodge Ram D/W 250/350 trucks. Included in the paper are detailed discussions of Cummins' development of the unique vehicle systems required to integrate the diesel engine into the existing truck package, and the methods used by Chrysler and Cummins to manage a joint effort of this magnitude. Also highlighted are the significant involvement of Chrysler manufacturing throughout the program, and the extensive use of modular assemblies by design, including major powertrain componentry.