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V8 Dakotas
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blakdak00
Dodge Dakota
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4/21/2004
03:09:10

Subject: v8 swap
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the v6 in my dakota needs replacing so i am thinking about a v8 swap, do you guys know if the v8 will swap in without much work or should i scrap the idea?



Russ
Dodge Dakota
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4/22/2004
12:44:56

RE: v8 swap
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It will depend mostly on the frame.

If memory serves me properly (I was a powertrain engineer at Chrylser from '95 to '98 who had release responsibility for various engine bits on all Dakotas, Rams, and 8 cyl Grand Cherokees), the only difference should be in the engine mounts.

In terms of fitting it in the engine compartment, any of the following will work (at least for 1996 on, possibly earlier). 3.9, 5.2, 5.9, 3.7, 4.7. The external package size of the old "LA" series engine is nearly identical to the 3.7/4.7.

I assume that your engine is a 3.9. If I were going through the trouble of a swap, I would go for the 5.9. While identical externally to the 5.2, the 5.9 is more durable, and has more get up and go.

One caution - make sure your donor engine is from a Dodge, not a Jeep. The Jeep's starter is on the other side, and if I recall the way the engine is mounted to the transmission differs.

Something else you may find interesting. The 8.0 truck (not Viper) V-10 is dimesionally the same as the 5.2/5.9, save the extra cylinder of length. I could swear I saw a two wheel drive V-10 Dakota back in the garage of Jeep Truck Engineering. It had undergone some serious nose surgery to fit in all the cooling bits.

The frame thing was always weird, with separate variations for engine and drivetrain. Check carefully.



gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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4/22/2004
15:20:32

RE: v8 swap
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The 5.9 is more durable than the 5.2? Sez who?



BeachNutt
Dodge Dakota
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4/22/2004
15:34:15

RE: v8 swap
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I've had both and never had any problems with either, although I gotta say the 5.9 is alot more fun than any 318 I've ever had.



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