The 2007.5-2009 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 marked a turning point for Cummins-powered trucks. With stricter emissions standards rolling in, Dodge replaced the legendary 5.9L Cummins with the all-new 6.7L version, featuring higher displacement, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF). It was also the first Cummins-equipped Ram to be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, bringing it in line with Ford and GM’s offerings.

But while the 6.7L Cummins is an absolute workhorse, the truck itself had its fair share of weak spots. Whether you own one or are looking at buying a used 2007.5-2009 Cummins, there are key upgrades that will make your truck drive, handle, and perform as solid as its powertrain.

Suspension & Steering: Killing Death Wobble for Good

Anyone who has driven a solid-front-axle truck knows that the steering can be a mixed bag. The Ram HD platform is known for wandering steering, vague feedback, and, in some cases, full-blown death wobble. Fortunately, with the right upgrades, you can fix these issues permanently.

• Upgrade the Track Bar – The factory track bar bushings wear out quickly, leading to excessive front-end play. Installing an adjustable track bar with solid bushings eliminates slop and restores steering precision.
• Replace Ball Joints – The OEM ball joints wear out fast, especially under towing or with larger tires. A set of Moog or Carli heavy-duty ball joints lasts much longer and improves steering feel.
• Reinforce the Steering Box – The factory steering box can develop excessive play. If your wheel feels loose or the truck wanders, installing a steering brace tightens things up and prevents premature wear.
• Dual Steering Stabilizers – If you’re running 35”+ tires, a dual steering stabilizer helps reduce bump-steer and keeps your front end under control. BUT—don’t use it to mask a bad steering box. Always inspect before upgrading.

Fixing the 6.7L Cummins Electrical Gremlins

Dodge trucks have never been known for their electrical reliability, and the first-gen 6.7L Cummins trucks are no exception. Weak grounds and small battery cables cause everything from hard starts to sensor failures. Here’s how to fix it:

• Perform the Big 3 Upgrade – Replacing and upgrading the battery-to-frame, frame-to-engine, and alternator-to-battery cables drastically improves electrical reliability.
• Replace Battery Cables & Grounds – The factory grounding system is undersized. Adding additional engine-to-frame and dash-to-firewall grounds prevents electrical glitches.
• Always Replace Batteries in Pairs – Mismatched batteries overwork the alternator and lead to premature failures. If you notice slow cranking, voltage drops, or random electrical issues, check your batteries and replace them as a matched set.
• Load Test Your Batteries – A trip to the parts store for a free battery load test helps you avoid expensive electrical headaches. Two 1,000 CCA batteries aren’t cheap—so buy quality and “buy once, cry once.”

Interior Upgrades: Making Your Ram More Comfortable

While the 6.7L Cummins is built to last, the same can’t always be said for the third-gen Ram interior. From cracked dashboards to uncomfortable seats, these trucks show their age quickly. Fortunately, there are solid upgrades to bring your Ram into the modern era.

• Reinforced Dash Replacements – Cracked dashes are infamous in third-gen Rams. Aftermarket options with reinforced plastics help prevent future failures.
• Sound-Deadening Insulation – Adding sound-deadening mats under the carpet and in the doors significantly reduces road noise, making long drives far more comfortable.
• Seat Upgrades – Third-gen Ram seats leave a lot to be desired. Many owners swap in seats from newer Rams, Fords, or even Chevy trucks, with some basic wiring required to make power seats and airbags functional.
• Better Audio – The factory speakers and head units aren’t great. Upgrading to component speakers and a modern touchscreen head unit makes a huge difference in comfort and entertainment.

Upgrading the 6.7L Cummins for Longevity

While we’re focusing on chassis, electrical, and interior upgrades, no Cummins guide would be complete without a few key maintenance and reliability tips for the 6.7L Cummins engine itself.

• DPF & EGR Maintenance – The 6.7L was the first Cummins with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system. Keeping these systems clean prevents regen issues and power loss.
• Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) Care – The Holset HE351VE turbo can suffer from soot buildup, causing the actuator to stick. Regular hard pulls to keep the vanes clean and using quality diesel additives helps prevent turbo failure.
• Fuel System Upgrades – The Bosch common-rail injection system runs at 26,000 psi, so clean fuel is critical. Installing a FASS or AirDog lift pump ensures proper fuel pressure and longevity.
• Cooling System Maintenance – Overheating is rare, but keeping coolant fresh and regularly inspecting the radiator and water pump prevents cooling failures.

Final Thoughts: Bring Your 6.7L Cummins Truck Up to Its Full Potential

A well-maintained 2007.5-2009 Dodge Ram 6.7L Cummins can last for hundreds of thousands of miles. But addressing chassis slop, dialing in the steering, upgrading the electrical system, and refreshing the interior makes a huge difference in how your truck feels to drive every day.

If you’re ready to fix these common issues, check out Alligator Performance’s lineup of chassis, steering, electrical, and interior upgrades to make your Ram feel like new again!