Fleece Freedom Series Cummins Long Block Engines

Fleece Freedom Series Cummins Long Block Engines: A Complete Replacement Solution Built for Real-World Diesel Owners

When most diesel owners think of Fleece Performance, they usually think of fuel systems, turbos, electronics, and other high-quality performance parts. But one product line a lot of people still do not know about is the Fleece Freedom Series Long Block Engine Program.

These engines are designed to be more than just another remanufactured replacement option. Fleece built this program around a complete solution for Cummins owners who need a reliable replacement engine without chasing down every gasket, fluid, and supporting detail after the engine shows up.

We recently visited Fleece Performance to take a closer look at the Freedom Series engines, how they are built, what comes with them, and why the program stands out for Dodge Ram Cummins owners.

What Is the Fleece Freedom Series Engine Program?

The Fleece Freedom Series is Fleece Performance’s line of complete Cummins long block engines. These engines are built for diesel owners who want a dependable replacement engine with upgraded components, thoughtful packaging, and a better core return process.

Whether you are replacing a failed 5.9L Cummins or upgrading your 6.7L Cummins with a stronger foundation, the Freedom Series program is designed to simplify the process.

Instead of getting a bare long block and then realizing halfway through the install that you still need gaskets, break-in oil, or other small but important parts, Fleece includes several key items with the engine.

That is a big deal when your truck is down and you are trying to get it back on the road.

Every Dodge Cummins Engine Includes ARP 625 Head Studs

One of the standout features of the Fleece Freedom Series Dodge Cummins engines is that they include ARP Custom Age 625 head studs.

Fleece is not using factory-style head bolts or standard head studs on these engines. They made the decision to include 625 studs because that is what most customers wanted, even on street-oriented engine builds.

That decision came from experience. Fleece has learned what works, what customers ask for, and what helps create a stronger long block package from the start.

For Cummins owners, this is a major advantage. Head studs are one of those upgrades many diesel owners plan to do anyway, especially if the truck is used for towing, performance, or higher cylinder pressure applications. Having them already included saves time, labor, and guesswork.

Screw-In Freeze Plugs Help Prevent Major Problems

Fleece also uses screw-in freeze plugs on these engines.

That may sound like a small detail, but it matters. Freeze plug failures can create serious issues, including coolant and oil contamination. A coolant and oil mixture is the last thing you want to deal with after installing a replacement engine.

By using screw-in freeze plugs, Fleece adds another layer of protection and reliability to the engine package.

This is the kind of detail that shows the Freedom Series engines were not just thrown together as a basic reman option. Fleece looked at common failure points and made changes to help prevent problems before they happen.

Break-In Oil Is Included

Another major benefit of the Fleece Freedom Series engine package is that it includes the proper break-in oil.

Anyone who has installed an engine knows how easy it is to get deep into the job and suddenly wonder, “What break-in oil am I supposed to use?”

That question matters. Using the right oil during break-in helps protect the engine and can also be important for warranty compliance.

Fleece removes the guesswork by including the break-in oil with the engine. They partnered with AMSOIL on the oil, and it is the same break-in oil they have used for years in their high-horsepower engine builds, including racing and pulling applications.

That means you are not left searching for the right oil or wondering whether you are starting the engine off correctly.

Top-End Gasket Kit Included

Fleece also includes a top-end gasket kit with the Freedom Series engines.

This is another practical detail that makes the install easier. Many long block engines arrive without all of the gaskets you need to finish the job. Then the installer has to stop, order more parts, and wait.

With the Fleece package, the top-end gasket kit is included, minus the head gasket because that is already installed with the engine.

For the customer and installer, this helps reduce downtime and frustration. It also makes the engine package feel more complete compared to other replacement long block options.

What Parts Are New and What Parts Are Remanufactured?

Fleece has also put a lot of thought into the internal components of these engines.

Most of the engine is built with new parts. There are only a few remanufactured components used in the program.

The engine block is remanufactured, which is expected in a long block program. The cylinder head may be remanufactured, although Fleece is also beginning to use some of their own cylinder head castings. On the Street Series engines, the crankshaft and camshaft are remanufactured.

The HD Series steps things up even further.

On the Freedom Series HD engines, Fleece includes upgraded components like a Hamilton camshaft and Wagler connecting rods. That makes the HD version a strong option for customers who need a more serious foundation for towing, performance, or severe-duty use.

Fleece also uses new bearings throughout the engine, which gives customers more confidence in what they are getting.

There is no guessing game of wondering what was replaced and what was reused. Fleece has designed the program to be clear, complete, and dependable.

Custom Engine Crates Protect the Engine During Shipping

Shipping a diesel engine is not like shipping a small box of parts.

Engines are heavy, awkward, and expensive. Damage during freight shipping can create major problems for the customer, the dealer, and the manufacturer.

Fleece spent a lot of time developing the right shipping crate for these engines. In fact, packaging was one of the biggest things that held up the program before launch.

Why? Because engine shipping can go wrong in a lot of ways.

Engines can shift. They can tip over. Oil pans can get damaged. Cores can come back damaged even if they were usable when they left the customer. In some cases, companies have even dealt with empty or damaged crates arriving.

Fleece solved this by building custom crates specifically for these engines.

The crate includes an insert that holds the engine up off the bottom of the crate, helping protect the oil pan and lower engine components. The engine is also secured with four ratchet straps to keep it locked in place during transit.

That matters for two reasons.

First, it helps make sure the customer receives the engine in the condition they expected.

Second, it helps make sure the core makes it back safely, which helps speed up core processing and protects the customer’s core credit.

Let’s Talk About Engine Cores

Nobody loves talking about cores, but they are a major part of buying a replacement diesel engine.

When you buy a long block engine, you typically pay a core charge. Then, after your original engine is returned and inspected, you receive a core refund based on the condition of the engine.

The problem is that not every core qualifies for a full refund. If the core is damaged, missing parts, or unusable, the refund may be reduced.

Fleece and Thoroughbred Diesel worked through this early in the engine program to help create a clear, reasonable core acceptance policy.

Here are the major things customers need to know.

Fleece Engine Core Requirements

To help protect your core refund, make sure your engine meets the following requirements:

The Core Must Be Like-for-Like

If you buy a 5.9L Cummins long block, you need to send back a 5.9L Cummins core.

If you buy a 6.7L Cummins long block, you need to send back a 6.7L Cummins core.

Sending back the wrong engine can create issues with your core credit.

No Visible External Damage

The returned engine should not have major visible damage to the outside.

That includes things like cracks, holes, or “windows” in the block. If the engine has obvious external damage, it may reduce the amount of core credit you receive.

Send Everything Back

Do not strip parts off the engine before returning the core.

Components like the oil filter housing and other required pieces need to come back with the engine. Fleece needs those components to help continue building the next engines in the program.

Missing parts can affect the core refund.

The Crankshaft Must Rotate 360 Degrees

This is a big one.

The crankshaft needs to spin a full 360 degrees. That helps confirm the engine is not completely locked up.

If the engine is seized and cannot rotate, there may be major internal damage that cannot be easily inspected from the outside. That can create problems during the core grading process.

No Fire Damage

The core cannot have fire damage.

Fire-damaged engines create major issues during the remanufacturing process and may not be acceptable for full core credit.

Use the Original Fleece Crate

The core must be returned in the original Fleece crate.

This is important because the crate was designed to protect the engine during shipping. Sending the core back incorrectly can result in damage that was not there when it left your shop.

That damage can affect your core refund.

Fill Out the Orange Core Return Form

Fleece includes an orange core return form with the engine package.

Fill it out and send it back with your core.

It sounds simple, but it matters. That form helps the core department identify and process your return correctly. The orange form is included for a reason, so do not skip it.

Why the Fleece Freedom Series Engine Program Stands Out

There are a lot of ways to replace a failed Cummins engine. You can buy a used engine, find a basic reman, rebuild your existing engine, or step into a complete long block option like the Fleece Freedom Series.

The advantage of the Fleece program is that it is built as a complete, thought-out solution.

You get important upgrades like ARP 625 head studs and screw-in freeze plugs. You get break-in oil and a top-end gasket kit included. You get a long block built with new internal components and upgraded options on the HD Series. You also get packaging that was designed specifically to protect both the new engine and the returning core.

For diesel owners, that means less guesswork, fewer missing pieces, and a better overall experience.

Shop Fleece Freedom Series Cummins Long Block Engines

If your Cummins engine has failed, or if you are planning a serious replacement before the next failure happens, the Fleece Freedom Series long block program is worth a close look.

These engines are designed for Dodge Ram Cummins owners who want a reliable, complete replacement option from a company with deep diesel performance experience.

Have questions about which Fleece Freedom Series engine is right for your truck? Give the Thoroughbred Diesel team a call. We can help you choose the correct engine, understand the core process, and make sure you have what you need for the install.

https://www.thoroughbreddiesel.com/fleece-performance-freedom-street-series-long-block/

 

By: Chris Shearer