A Banks Monster Ram is a bolt-on air intake system that replaces your factory intake with a larger diameter tube and high-flow filter

The Banks Monster Ram is an aftermarket cold air intake designed specifically for Dodge Ram trucks with the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine. It pulls cooler, denser air from outside the engine bay through a larger-diameter intake tube than the factory system uses, then feeds it to the engine through a reusable high-flow filter element. The system bolts directly to your existing engine connections — no welding, no permanent modifications.

The stated goal is to reduce intake restriction, which can lower intake temperatures by 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit under load. Cooler, denser air contains more oxygen molecules per breath, which diesel engines use to produce more power and torque. Banks claims the Monster Ram alone produces a modest power increase, though the real benefit shows up when combined with other modifications like a tuner or exhaust system.

Key Takeaways

  • The Banks Monster Ram is a direct bolt-on replacement for the factory intake tube and filter box, requiring no modifications to the engine bay or fuel system.
  • Installation takes two to four hours with basic hand tools and does not require a lift, though working space and access to the driver's side of the engine bay are essential.
  • The system is compatible with 2013 and newer Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks running the 6.7 Cummins, but fitment varies slightly between model years and cab styles.
  • You will need to remove the factory intake components completely, so have a clean workspace and label or photograph connections before disconnecting anything.
  • The reusable filter element requires cleaning every 15,000 to 20,000 miles with a special cleaning kit, which adds ongoing maintenance compared to disposable factory filters.

What comes in the box and what you need to supply

A Banks Monster Ram kit includes the intake tube (usually polished aluminum or powder-coated steel), the high-flow filter element, mounting brackets, hose clamps, gaskets, and an instruction booklet specific to your truck model year. The kit does not include the cleaning kit for the reusable filter — that is sold separately and costs between $20 and $40.

You will need basic hand tools: a socket set, wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers. A flashlight or headlamp is nearly essential because much of the work happens in tight spaces under the hood. If your truck has a plastic undertray or splash shield, you may need a trim removal tool or plastic pry bar to access the lower intake connections. A clean rag and some degreaser help you see what you are disconnecting before you pull it apart.

Step-by-step installation on a 6.7 Cummins

Start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal to prevent accidental electrical shorts while you work. Remove the factory air filter box by unbolting it from the engine bay — this usually takes three to five bolts. Disconnect the mass airflow (MAF) sensor from the top of the factory intake tube by gently releasing the clip and sliding the connector straight out. Take a photo of the sensor orientation before you remove it, because it must go back in the same direction.

Unbolt the factory intake tube from the engine's throttle body inlet. This connection is usually a single large bolt or clamp. Disconnect any hoses or breather lines attached to the factory box — label them with tape as you go so you know where they reconnect. Once everything is loose, carefully remove the factory intake tube and set it aside.

Install the Banks intake tube by reversing the process: bolt it to the throttle body inlet first, then find the mounting brackets to the engine bay frame. Install the MAF sensor into the new tube in the same orientation it came out of the factory tube — the sensor is directional and will not work correctly if reversed. Reconnect any hoses or breather lines to their original ports. Clamp the high-flow filter element to the intake tube using the supplied hose clamps, then reconnect the battery terminal.

Start the engine and listen for any vacuum leaks — a hissing sound near the intake connections means a clamp is loose or a hose is not seated fully. Let the truck idle for a few minutes, then shut it down and recheck all clamps and connections after the engine cools slightly. Tighten anything that has moved.

Fitment differences between model years and cab styles

The 6.7 Cummins was introduced in 2013, and Banks offers different kits for different generations. A 2013–2018 Ram 2500 or 3500 uses one kit design, while 2019 and newer trucks use a different one because Dodge moved the intake components and changed the engine bay layout. Crew cab trucks have slightly more room than single-cab models, which can make installation easier but does not change the actual fitment.

Before you order, confirm your truck's model year and cab style. Installing a 2013–2018 kit on a 2019+ truck will result in components that do not align with the throttle body or mounting points. Banks' website has a fitment guide, and calling their customer service with your VIN will confirm which kit you need.

Power and performance expectations

Banks publishes dyno numbers showing the Monster Ram alone produces roughly 5 to 8 horsepower and 10 to 15 pound-feet of torque on a stock 6.7 Cummins. Those gains are real but modest — you will not feel a dramatic difference in acceleration or towing power from the intake alone. The benefit is most noticeable when combined with a diesel tuner, which can add 50 to 100 horsepower depending on the tune level.

The more when ready benefit is lower intake air temperatures under load, which can improve engine longevity and reduce heat soak during towing. Cooler air also means slightly better fuel economy in some driving conditions, though the improvement is usually 1 to 2 miles per gallon at best. If you are installing this as part of a larger modification plan — tuner, exhaust, fuel system upgrades — the Monster Ram is a logical first step because it removes a restriction that other modifications will exploit.

Maintenance and long-term care

The reusable filter element is the main difference from a factory intake. Instead of replacing a disposable filter every 15,000 to 20,000 miles, you clean the Banks filter with a special cleaning kit. The kit includes a cleaning solution and instructions for soaking and rinsing the element without damaging the media. A properly maintained filter lasts the life of the truck, which saves money over time compared to buying disposable filters.

Inspect the filter visually every oil change. If it looks clogged with dust or dirt, clean it. In very dusty conditions — unpaved roads, desert driving, construction sites — you may need to clean it more often. The intake tube itself requires no maintenance beyond occasional inspection for cracks or loose clamps. Check all hose connections and clamps annually, especially before winter or before a long towing trip.

Common installation mistakes and how to avoid them

The most frequent error is reversing the MAF sensor, which causes the engine to run rich (too much fuel) and triggers a check engine light. Before you disconnect the factory sensor, take a clear photo showing which end points toward the air filter and which points toward the engine. The sensor has a small arrow cast into the body — that arrow must point toward the engine in the new tube.

The second common mistake is not fully seating hoses or breather lines before clamping them. A hose that looks connected but is not fully pushed onto its port will leak vacuum, causing rough idle or a check engine light. Push each hose all the way onto its fitting until you feel resistance, then tighten the clamp. The third mistake is over-tightening clamps on the filter element, which can crack the filter media. Tighten clamps snugly but not so hard that you cannot turn them by hand with a screwdriver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Banks Monster Ram void my truck's warranty?

Dodge's warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, not modifications. Installing an intake system does not void the entire warranty, but if an engine problem occurs and Dodge determines the intake contributed to the failure, they can deny coverage for that specific repair. Keep your receipt and document the installation date in case you need to prove the modification was done correctly.

Can I install this myself or do I need a shop?

Most truck owners with basic mechanical skills can install the Monster Ram in a driveway or garage. The work is straightforward — unbolting the old intake and bolting on the new one. If you are uncomfortable working on engines or do not have a clean workspace, a diesel shop can do it in one to two hours. Labor costs typically run $100 to $200 depending on your location.

Do I need a tuner to make the Monster Ram work?

No. The Monster Ram works as a standalone modification and produces measurable power gains on its own. A tuner amplifies those gains by adjusting fuel injection and boost pressure to take advantage of the cooler, denser air the intake provides. If you plan to add a tuner later, installing the intake first is the right order.

How often do I need to clean the filter?

Banks recommends cleaning the filter every 15,000 to 20,000 miles under normal driving conditions. If you drive in dusty environments or tow frequently, clean it more often — every 10,000 miles. A clogged filter reduces the benefit of the intake system, so err on the side of cleaning more frequently rather than less.

Will this affect my fuel economy?

Most owners report no change or a slight improvement of 1 to 2 miles per gallon, especially during highway driving. The cooler intake air allows the engine to run slightly leaner, which can reduce fuel consumption. Combined with a tuner, fuel economy can improve more noticeably, though that depends on the tune's aggressiveness and your driving habits.