I recently bought a 2001 Ram 3/4 ton Cummins, automatic, 4X4 with 127K miles. When I plugged in my Hypertech it reported the truck to be a 2000 Ram. I bought this truck wrecked from an insurance company so I have no history on it at all. I now have some questions about this.
Has anyone else had the computer read a diferent year than what the truck is? Were engines carried over 'from the factory' from year to year? I'm assuming the engine computer stores this sort of data. If so, I suppose the ECU could have been swapped from another truck at some time.
But if this engine has been swapped, lets say becuase of a cracked 53 block or something (the current engine is not a 53), what diffences are there between the '00 and the '01? I read that the 2000 automatic trucks had 215HP while a 2001 auto. was 235HP. What made the difference?
By the way, this truck has no codes being thrown, the front calipers have two pistons, and the truck's vin numbers match the title.
Thanks in advance.

 

HP differences, like you said, and the 2k1 and newer had the HY35 turbo (hardline to wastegate), while the 2k still had the HX35. There is a data connection to the ECM that is a 3 pin flat connector on the 2k1, while the older ones had a triangular connector. I think that was down under the VP, but its been a while since I have been under the hood looking for it.

You could always copy your engine serial number and call Cummins, they can give you the low down on your particular engine.

 

guessing the yr is tricky, mine is titled as an 01, yet the date of manufacture inside the door is Mar 2000,
most car manufactures consider september the cross over into the next yr, I believe at one time ford was selling cars that were built the year before as a current model yr veh, that was quite a while ago and I believe they were reprimanded or ordered to stop that practice

 

Mine was on the road before yours was even built and it's an '01 also. Was bought in February, 2000, built January, 2000.

 

The VIN and engine serial number are the only surefire way to tell if it has been wrecked. 10th digit of the VIN is the model year (1=2001). Engine data plate is on left side of engine on gear housing. It will have the date of manufacture.