exhaust
DPF Delete Pipe
for 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
3.2 h
Tools
12
Steps
13
This procedure removes the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and replaces it with a delete pipe, eliminating the factory emissions system. WARNING: This modification is illegal for on-road use in the United States and violates EPA regulations.
Warnings
⚠️This modification is ILLEGAL for on-road vehicles in the United States and Canada. Installing a DPF delete violates federal EPA regulations and state emissions laws. Vehicle will fail emissions testing. Fines can exceed $10,000.
⚠️Exhaust system will be extremely hot if engine has been running. Allow minimum 2 hours cooling time before beginning work.
⚠This modification may void vehicle warranty and affect resale value.
⚠Requires ECM tuning/reprogramming to prevent check engine lights and derate conditions. DPF delete pipe alone is not sufficient.
ℹ️Work is performed underneath vehicle. Ensure vehicle is properly supported on jack stands, never rely on jack alone.
Tools required
Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Torque wrench (10-70 Nm range)Essential
3/8" and 1/2" drive ratchet and socket setEssential
15mm, 18mm deep socketsEssential
Penetrating oil (PB Blaster or equivalent)Essential
Anti-seize compoundEssential
Wire brush
Oxygen sensor socketEssential
Pry bar
Safety glassesEssential
Nitrile gloves
Parts
- DPF delete pipe kit × 1 — Aftermarket 4" DPF delete pipe for 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins
- Exhaust flange gasket set × 1 — 4" exhaust flange gaskets
- Stainless steel flange bolts × 8 — M10 x 1.5 exhaust flange bolts
- Exhaust hanger isolators × 2 — OEM or heavy-duty aftermarket
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level concrete surface and apply parking brake
- Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
- Ensure exhaust system is completely cool to touch (minimum 2 hours after last engine operation)
- Raise vehicle using floor jack at manufacturer-recommended lift points
- Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight (minimum 6-ton capacity per stand)
- Spray all exhaust flange bolts, oxygen sensor threads, and hanger bolts with penetrating oil and allow 30 minutes soak time
- Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent DPF-related fault codes during removal
Procedure
- 1Remove downstream oxygen sensorsLocate the NOx sensors and oxygen sensors on the DPF canister. Disconnect electrical connectors by pressing release tabs. Using oxygen sensor socket, carefully remove sensors by turning counterclockwise. If sensors are seized, apply additional penetrating oil and allow to soak, or apply gentle heat with propane torch to exhaust bung (avoid heating sensor itself). Store sensors in clean area if reusing.Torque specO2 Sensor45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
- 2Remove heat shieldsRemove the heat shields covering the DPF assembly. These are typically secured with several bolts around the perimeter. Use appropriate socket to remove all heat shield mounting bolts. Carefully set heat shields aside as they may have sharp edges.Torque specHeat Shield Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 3Disconnect DPF inlet flangeLocate the inlet flange connection between the turbocharger downpipe and DPF inlet. Remove the flange bolts (typically 4 bolts in a square pattern) using 15mm socket. Apply penetrating oil again if bolts are difficult to turn. Separate the flange connection and remove old gasket material with wire brush.Torque specExhaust Flange Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
- 4Disconnect DPF outlet flangeLocate the outlet flange connection between DPF outlet and exhaust tailpipe. Remove the flange bolts using appropriate socket. If flange is stuck, use pry bar to gently separate components. Clean flange surfaces thoroughly with wire brush, removing all carbon buildup and old gasket material.Torque specExhaust Flange Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
- 5Remove exhaust hangersSupport the DPF assembly weight with one hand or have assistant support it. Remove the rubber hanger isolators from the support brackets by prying them off the mounting studs. If hanger bolts are used instead of isolators, remove the hanger bolts with appropriate socket. Note orientation and location of all hangers for reinstallation.Torque specHanger Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
- 6Remove DPF assemblyWith all connections disconnected, carefully lower and remove the entire DPF assembly from the vehicle. The assembly is heavy (approximately 50-70 lbs) and awkward to maneuver. Work carefully to avoid damaging brake lines, fuel lines, or wiring harnesses. Set DPF assembly aside in safe location.⚠DPF assembly weighs 50-70 lbs and is awkward to handle. Use proper lifting technique and consider having assistant help lower assembly.
- 7Prepare delete pipe flangesUnpack DPF delete pipe kit and verify all components are included. Clean both the turbo downpipe flange and tailpipe flange surfaces with wire brush until bare metal is visible. Remove all carbon deposits, rust, and old gasket material. Wipe surfaces clean with shop rag.ℹ️Ensure delete pipe kit includes proper flanges and hardware for your specific model year. Some kits may require slight modification for proper fitment.
- 8Install new flange gasketsPosition new exhaust flange gaskets on both the inlet and outlet flanges. Apply thin coat of anti-seize compound to new flange bolt threads. Do not apply anti-seize to gasket surfaces themselves.
- 9Position DPF delete pipeLift delete pipe into position, aligning inlet flange with turbo downpipe and outlet flange with exhaust tailpipe. The pipe should fit without forcing. If alignment is difficult, check that exhaust hangers are not preventing proper positioning. Have assistant support pipe while you work, or use temporary support such as jack stand with wood block.⚠Do not force delete pipe into position. Forcing flanges can crack welds or damage components. Slight adjustment of tailpipe position may be necessary.
- 10Install inlet flange boltsInsert new flange bolts through the inlet flange connecting delete pipe to turbo downpipe. Thread bolts in by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Apply anti-seize compound to bolt threads. Using criss-cross pattern, tighten bolts gradually and evenly to specified torque.Torque specExhaust Flange Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
- 11Install outlet flange boltsInsert new flange bolts through outlet flange connecting delete pipe to tailpipe. Thread bolts in by hand to verify alignment. Using criss-cross pattern, tighten bolts gradually and evenly to specified torque. Ensure gasket remains properly seated during tightening.Torque specExhaust Flange Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
- 12Install exhaust hangersInstall new or reuse existing rubber hanger isolators to support the delete pipe. Push rubber isolators onto mounting studs or install hanger bolts and tighten to specification. Ensure delete pipe is properly supported and not placing stress on flanges.Torque specHanger Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
- 13Reinstall oxygen sensors if applicableIf your delete pipe includes bungs for oxygen sensors and you are retaining sensors for tuning purposes, apply anti-seize compound to sensor threads only (avoid getting anti-seize on sensor tip). Thread sensors in by hand, then tighten to specification using oxygen sensor socket. Reconnect electrical connectors. If not reusing sensors, install oxygen sensor bungs plugs included with kit.Torque specO2 Sensor45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Verify all flange bolts are torqued to specification using criss-cross tightening pattern
- Ensure exhaust hangers are properly supporting system and delete pipe is not contacting frame, driveshaft, or fuel tank
- Reinstall heat shields if desired for additional protection (optional with delete pipe)
- Reconnect negative battery terminal
- Lower vehicle from jack stands carefully
Verification
- Start engine and listen for exhaust leaks at both flange connections (hissing or ticking sound indicates leak)
- With engine running, use soapy water spray on flange connections to check for leaks (bubbles indicate leak)
- Allow engine to reach operating temperature and recheck all connections for leaks
- Verify no exhaust components are contacting frame or body during engine vibration
- Check that check engine light illuminates if ECM has not been tuned (this is expected and requires tuning to resolve)
- Test drive vehicle and verify no unusual exhaust noise, vibration, or exhaust smell in cabin
- After 50-100 miles, recheck all flange bolt torque as thermal cycling can cause slight loosening