Mr. GG2 has a 2003 Custom Ram 2500 with the Cummins engine and 6 speed manual transmission. I hate Chrysler but that truck is really a honker. Still looks great and runs great. He uses it to haul a big trailer.
That IS a good application for the Cummins powered Ram 2500. I think that is the best diesel out there. (as they proceed to screw it up)
The 4BT I mentioned earlier is simply the 4 cylinder baby brother of the powerhouse your hubby has. It would be good in a 1500 or RAM van.