I am looking at my first purchase of a Dodge RAM 2500, I want the last mechanical diesels produced, 5.9L 6BT engines. From best I can tell, the 1998 Dodge RAM 2500 12V was considered to be the best of them. I did some reading and three things stand out between the the second generation when compared to the 98' model.

1. The block was changed along with the crank, in prep for the coming 24V
2. The Pistons were shaped differently to improve fuel burn

these two above prompted by the emissions laws

3. Water to Air Intercooler thru '97, then '98 Air to Air Intercooler

I think I prefer the Water to Air intercooler which is on '97 RAM 2500. I would like the 4 doors that comes on the '98 but I prefer the water to air.

My questions are: 1. can you install a larger tank for the reservoir of the water, is it safe to do?
2. Can they be swapped, the intercooler's? Can you put a water system on a '98 and Air system on a '97

 

All dodge diesels (Cummins) have air-to-air intercoolers since '91.5.

 

X2 u2slow. there are no 1st or 2nd Gen Dodge Cummins truck that came with water to air intercoolers.

Beware of the ‘98 12vs having a 53 block, if that concerns you.

 

Mea Culpa, Thank you both, don't know how I picked that up in my reading.

 

It is okay, the internet is full of bad information.

I have owned every version and year of Dodge Cummins 12V over the years
2wd, 4x4, auto and manual from ‘89-‘98…. So I do not need to just go by what the internet says.