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Call or Text (352) 722-5295Air filters for the 2003-2004 Ram 5.9L Cummins
The factory filter lives in a sealed airbox at the radiator support, fed from the passenger fender. The stock element is Fleetguard AF26106, also sold as WIX 49946. Mopar later released a heavy-duty element, 53034249AA, for 2003-2007 5.9L trucks under TSB 14-002-10. If your truck runs an aftermarket intake, it uses that kit's own element instead, such as the Banks 42148 filter for the Banks RAM-Air intake or an S&B KF-series replacement filter for an S&B kit. Clean air matters on the 5.9L Cummins: when Diesel Hub tore down a 2003-2004 turbo, it found compressor blade wear caused by poor filtration.
How filters affect power and protection
Filters do not break; they load up and restrict, and that restriction is tied to the service interval. TDR tested a range of elements on these trucks and ranked the media from most to least restrictive: paper, then foam, then dry synthetic, then cotton gauze. The twist is that restriction is not all bad. In the same testing, a more restrictive filter gave quicker boost response and more low-end torque, giving up only 2 to 3 hp above 2,700 rpm. Stock Mopar paper and dry nanofiber filters performed the same.
Stock replacement vs. upgrade
Pick the media for the work the truck does. Cotton gauze flows the most, but TDR noted a slight reduction in filtration efficiency and dirt and dust holding capacity, and recommended a stock or dry element for towing and dusty use. Dry nanofiber elements match stock filtration while flowing better than paper, which is why a higher-flow stock-replacement element was TDR's first step for more airflow, ahead of opening up the box inlet.
What we carry
S&B covers the most ground here, with KF-1000 and KF-1035 replacement filters listed for 1994-2007 5.9L trucks, the KF-1032 for 2003-2009 5.9L and 6.7L, and the WF-1017 filter wrap. Banks Power offers the 42148 element for its RAM-Air system and the 42645 pre-filter wrap that fits the 42148 and 42178 filters. MAHLE has the LX2947 air filter listed for 2003-2007 5.9L trucks, and Wehrli Custom Fabrication has a dry filter with a 4 in inlet that is listed across Duramax, Cummins and Power Stroke applications. For complete intake kits, see all intakes.
Fitment notes
Match the filter to the housing on your truck, not just the year. A stock airbox takes a stock-style element, and an aftermarket intake takes that brand's replacement element. The S&B KF filters are replacement elements, so match the KF number to your S&B kit. The Wehrli filter is a dry element sized by its 4 in inlet, so confirm the inlet on your tube before you order. These parts fit the Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500, not the Ram 1500. When in doubt, verify by VIN or call the shop.
Frequently asked questions
What air filter came on my 2003-2004 Ram from the factory?
The stock element is Fleetguard AF26106, cross-referenced to WIX 49946. Mopar later released a heavy-duty element, 53034249AA, for 2003-2007 5.9L trucks under TSB 14-002-10. If you have an aftermarket intake, buy that kit's replacement element instead.
Should I run a cotton or dry filter if I tow?
Dry. TDR found cotton gauze flows the most but gives up a little filtration efficiency and dirt-holding capacity, and it recommended a stock or dry element for towing and dusty use. Dry nanofiber elements match stock filtration.
Will a free-flowing filter make my truck faster?
Only a little, and only at the top of the rev range. In TDR's testing a more restrictive filter actually gave quicker boost response and more low-end torque, costing just 2 to 3 hp above 2,700 rpm. The bigger reason to choose a filter carefully is turbo protection.
Do I need a filter wrap?
A wrap is a pre-filter that slips over the element and catches debris before it reaches the filter. Use the one made for your element: the S&B WF-1017 is listed for 2003-2009 5.9L and 6.7L trucks, and the Banks 42645 fits Banks filters 42148 and 42178.
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.