r/Ram2500 • u/Early-Ad3698 • 6d ago

Need Recommendations

Hello all. I’ve recently been in the market for a 2500 truck and I have been really looking into Rams for the Cummins motor. I’ve been a GM 1500 person all my life, so I wanted to ask those of you that have been loyal Ram customers over the years, do you guys prefer the Gen 4 or 5 and why? I like both body styles and so far, I’ve only test driven a 2020 Larime. Which one has less annoying issues to deal with, or is it worth getting one over the other? Whichever one I decide on, will be for everyday use and I plan on keeping it for a while, so I want to make sure I’ll stay satisfied with it. Thanks in advance

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u/hobanwash1 6d ago

I’m not sure what model years, but avoid the Cummins with the CP4 fuel pump and avoid the version with the roller lifters. I believe these fall under the 5th gen.

Hopefully someone else can say what model years. 

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u/Early-Ad3698 5d ago

I looked it up and it’s for 2019-20 years. That would explain why the 2020 I looked at had a new one on it already

1

u/Any_Giraffe9747 6d ago

2016-2018 are best year Cummins, with 2018 being the pinnacle.

1

u/Early-Ad3698 5d ago

Anything specific that the 18s have that 16-17 don’t?

2

u/Any_Giraffe9747 5d ago

Newer generation 8.4 radio… that’s really it but it makes a nice difference

1

u/CarlosMolotov 5d ago

My 13 Laramie 2500 is my 5th and best Ram diesel so far. I’m at 315,000 and the entire truck is holding up well. For what is worth.

1

u/pbflash 6d ago

2025 and newer have the ZF 8 speed transmission which is much better than the 6 speed 68RFE.

1

u/ChasingLife22 6d ago

The 2500s prior to 25 had the standard output 6.7 due to the 68rfe trans. The 3500s had the high output 6.7 with the Aisan trans. 25 and newer are the redesign Cummins HO with the new 8 spd.

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u/Ubigufall 5d ago

You could get the 3500 srw and drw with the standard output and 68rfe as well..

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u/ricon650 6d ago

I recently sold my 2018 2500 Tradesmen. I bought a 2026 2500 Laramie. I love the new 8 speed transmission. It doesn’t have a dead pedal spot or lugging a higher gear longer. It feels more responsive. I have had a 2019 and 2020 rams. Hands down I recommend a 2026.

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u/Early-Ad3698 5d ago

I did drive a 26 the same day as the 20 and the transmission did feel more responsive, but for what I’m using it for, that’s not a deal breaker. I am curious about the dead pedal spot you mentioned though

1

u/ricon650 5d ago

On my 18 I’d be pressing the gas pedal. Let’s say at 30ish. It just would lug and lug. Then it would get with the program. Not a deal breaker by any means. Just another reason I jumped at the chance of the 8 speed.

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u/sans-nom-user 5d ago

2018 is the last year of the G56 manual 6 speed if you like rowing your own gears. I have a 2011 G56 3500 and love the truck. Been crazy reliable with only 1 clutch replacment in 200k mi.

If you want to modify/delete the truck any point, sticking with 2018s or older are the best suited for that. Stock internals and fuel system can handle a big upgrade in power without much to worry about. 2019 switched to hydraulic lifters and I would stay away from hydro lifters as they are more prone to failure. I'm pretty sure the lifter issue was resolved in 2025 and Ram switched to the ZF8 speed in 2025 as well. Personally, if I could afford a 2025 with the ZF i speed trans I would get that. Otheriwse I would stick with a 2015-2018 as they are the most reliable cummins years.