1998.5-2002 Dodge 5.9L Cummins Exhaust Systems

Exhaust piping on the 1998.5-2002 RAM 5.9L Cummins

The factory layout on the 24-valve 5.9L Cummins is simple. A cast elbow on the Holset turbo's outlet feeds the downpipe, and a single tailpipe with a muffler runs to the back of the truck. Aftermarket turbo-back systems for the second-gen Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 come as complete kits in T409 stainless, in 4-inch, or in 5-inch with a 4-inch downpipe, built for all cab and bed lengths. This collection is the smaller stuff that goes around a system like that: universal pipe, an adapter for joining sections, and a Banks pipe kit.

Why owners change the exhaust

The documented exhaust trouble spot on the 24-valve is upstream, at the manifold, which cracks from heat cycling. If you hear a ticking that rises with rpm, look there before you look at pipe. Downstream, the reasons to work on the piping are repair and improvement. An aftermarket exhaust reduces turbo lag, adds torque and lowers EGT when towing. That last one counts on this engine, because sustained pre-turbo temperatures above 1,200-1,250 F put the pistons and turbo at risk.

Stock replacement vs. upgrade

Repairing a stock system usually comes down to a section of pipe and the right adapter to join it to what is already there, which is what the MBRP pieces here are for. Building up means picking a diameter: 4-inch, or 5-inch with a 4-inch downpipe for 600 hp-class builds. If your truck is California-registered, choose a turbo-back whose downpipe carries a CARB EO number. At least one 4-inch system for these trucks has a downpipe exempt under EO D-778-2.

What we carry

MBRP supplies a universal exhaust adapter and a universal pipe section for fabricating or repairing a run. Banks Power 53799 is a 36-inch pipe kit made to work with Banks systems, listed for 1998.5-2007 Cummins and 2001-2007 Duramax. For tips, clamps, mufflers and manifolds, step up to the full exhaust system collection for this truck, or browse the main exhaust section.

Fitment notes

Universal pieces fit by diameter, not by truck, so measure your pipe before you order an adapter. The Banks kit lists 1998.5-2007 Cummins, which covers this 24-valve range and the common-rail years that followed. If you are pricing a whole system, remember that 1994-1998 12-valve turbo-back systems are separate part numbers from the 1998.5-2002 kits. Check your truck's emissions label before changing anything from the turbo back, and verify by VIN if you are not sure what you have.

Frequently asked questions

Will 12-valve exhaust parts fit my 24-valve Ram?

Not as a system. Turbo-back kits for 1994-1998 12-valve trucks are separate part numbers from the 1998.5-2002 24-valve kits. Universal pipe and adapters fit by diameter, so they are not tied to the engine.

Does an aftermarket exhaust help when towing?

Yes. An aftermarket exhaust reduces turbo lag, adds torque and lowers EGT when towing. Pair it with a pyrometer probe in the manifold, since a downpipe probe reads low and sustained pre-turbo readings above 1,200-1,250 F put the pistons and turbo at risk.

Is there a CARB-legal exhaust for this truck?

Look for a CARB EO number on the downpipe. At least one 4-inch T409 stainless turbo-back system for the 1998.5-2002 2500 and 3500 has a downpipe exempt under EO D-778-2. Call us before you buy if you need help confirming a part's status.

Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.