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Bud Gates
Dodge Dakota
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4/25/2003
22:40:20
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 Subject: RE: 1988 4x4 engine swap
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It's done and I had a chance to test it out camping this past week. I put 700 miles on my Dakota and it feels like a brand new truck with the 318 in it. It took the hills with my camper on the back beautifully.
I was glad to have the 4wd going over the pass because it had around a foot of snow. People with 2wd and chains were stuck along the side of the road while I had no problem using the 4wd with only my all terain tires.
YES! I love my truck again. :)
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Jason Larkin
Dodge Dakota
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4/26/2003
09:05:07
|  RE: 1988 4x4 engine swap
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Glad to hear it. I love mine. Sure beats the 3.9 that was gutless. Got the 360 swapped in. Runs great, actually gets up and moves!
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Bud Gates
Dodge Dakota
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4/26/2003
13:12:32
|  RE: 1988 4x4 engine swap
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The 3.9 sure was gutless. I understand that they even put a 4 cylinder in that truck. I can't immagine what that would be like.
What were the Dodge brothers thinking????
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vern
Dodge Dakota
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4/26/2003
15:08:12
| RE: 1988 4x4 engine swap
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Message:
bud,how did you over come the radator and fan,plus the oil pan issues?
i,ve got a 360 on my engine stand for my 89 4x4,a/c and trans cooler,so mounting the rad in front of the rad support is out for me.
your input would be very helpful.
thank-you
vern
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SuperBee
Dodge Dakota
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4/27/2003
00:58:49
| RE: 1988 4x4 engine swap
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i think if i were to do this id go with a 318 magnum and trnny and use eveything from a jinked 92 or 93
then it should all bolt up, cept id have to make a fan work somehow
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Bud Gates
Dodge Dakota
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4/27/2003
02:00:23
| RE: 1988 4x4 engine swap
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Message:
Hi Vern:
I used the radiator that came with the truck in it's original location with an electric pusher fan in front. The water pump hub was too close to the radiator so I had to replace the waterpump with one made for a 1968 engine (It's about 7/8" shorter than the newer ones). That required some spacers for all the junk that bolts on the front (ie, smog pump, alternator, etc.) The inlet for the '68 water pump is on the oposite side as the newer engines putting it right behind the power steering brackets. To get around that I used a flexable hose between the pump and the radiator. Then I had to use some washers as spacers to move the bracket for the power steering forward enough to clear the hose. I also had to modify the water pump pulley so that the belts would line up properly.
As for the oil pan. I had to cut the botom off of the oil pans from both engines and weld the botom of the one from the 3.9 onto the 5.2. The pickup from the 3.9 worked fine with the 318.
Good luck with your project. Feel free to ask any more questions. I could take some pictures if you would like.
Bud
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vern
Dodge Dakota
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4/27/2003
07:45:09
| RE: 1988 4x4 engine swap
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Message:
hi bud,thanks for the info!!i,m thinking right now
i might try the front clip[fenders,hood,rad support etc]from a 91-96.they look like they may fit[just by eye] i know a guy junking a 93 2x4 dak,he told me $200 for the rear bed,i,m thinking maybe the same for the front.
if i go this route,i,ll post how it worked.
again thanks for the info
vern
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Jason Larkin
Dodge Dakota
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4/27/2003
11:34:11
| RE: 1988 4x4 engine swap
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Well, if you want my input, I used the engine crossmember out of an 84 ramcharger, and welded it to the dakota frame. Basically I bolted it right up to the crossmember before welding it. I then lowered the engine into the truck, and lined everything up. I tacked it in place with the welder, then unbolted the engine and pulled it back out. Then I finished welding it. I have the radiator in the stock position, and am running the mechanical fan, and stock water pump. I also used an electric pusher fan in front, hooked to a switch for additional cooling. If you would like any pictures on how I did it, just let me know. By the way, the parts I used were '84 ramcharger. Now have '85 360 motor in it. Hope this helps, and good luck.
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vern
Dodge Dakota
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4/27/2003
16:35:07
| RE: 1988 4x4 engine swap
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jason,if you could go into a little more detail it would be very useful.
my truck is a 89 4x4.i have a 81 2x4 ramcharger parted out,but the k-member is there.
is or was your truck 4x4? if so what did you do for and how did you put the k-member,so you could mount the stock fan?
thank you
vern
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Jason Larkin
Dodge Dakota
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4/28/2003
22:26:13
| RE: 1988 4x4 engine swap
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Message:
Well, the ramcharger donor, was a 4 wheel drive, so the k member might be different. I cut the crossmember out of the ramcharger, and while bolted to the motor I lowered it into place and welded it in. I will try and get some pictures tomorrow.
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