This place can reprogram your ECM to delete the DPF, send them yours, get yours back with the new program, saw off and replace the exhaust system. Done. They can also reprogram for more power at the same time.
If I was looking down the barrel of $4k to replace the DPF, this is the way I'd go.
So far, other than some operator error, mine has been fine.
A few years ago, mine wanted to regen just as I was driving to the storage lot for the winter. I went ahead and parked it. Fast forward to spring, It went into limp mode on the way home from the storage lot. Limped it to cummins, The scanned it, said fuel pressure was low, replaced both fuel filters, did a "forced regen" and everything has been fine since.
But, when I see that regen light come on, I get on the highway, crank her up to 70, and just drive until the light goes out.