Bolt patterns on the blocks didn't change throughout production, so, any year trans, will bolt to any year engine. 3.9, 5.2, and 5.9 all used the same pattern. The pre-magnum engines did as well, but, the trans may or may not have the cutout for the crank sensor. (but those would be RH in any event.)

Just need to make sure you use the correct year flexplate/torque converter combination. The 5.9 is externally balanced, and where the balance weights were changed from 95-96. On the older versions, the weights were on the torque converter, for the newer versions, the weights moved to the flexplate, and the t/c was neutral balance.

 

Excellent info and article - thanks! Unfortunately I got a 318 with apparently a 46RH trans. :-(
A tough lesson on my account as I don't need either of them.

 

Somebody probably does. Listing 'em on craigslist, or facebook marketplace.

 

You guys are awesome! I really do appreciate your expertise and feedback!!
I'm really looking forward to this project (although I don't need more projects), however as you can tell I have a lot to learn.
I have two old trucks now and just ordered a 5.9 with harness and PCM from a 96 dodge 1500. Now I need to locate a 46re.
I took the advice forth 5.9 as I want to build a stroker engine.
I'm hoping to be 400 HP or so. Tobe more specific I want the truck to be quick, not necessarily fast.
I'd like to focus on torque over HP with low end mid range punch.
Any suggestions on rear end gearing? I also want to convert to rear disk and 5 lug.

Thanks again!

 

What size tires do you want to run? What is going to be the trucks primary usage? Plan on doing any towing/hauling with it??

If you are looking for low-end grunt, then don't expect huge horsepower numbers..... An engine that makes a lotta torque down low, isn't going to make a lot of power in the upper ranges.... unless you do forced induction.. than all bets are off. And given the limited scope of intake manifolds available.... Might go with a modified kegger, or hughes air-gap on a 408. (think I would lean toward the hughes...) They appear to be out of stock at hughes at the moment... might wanna chat with 'em, and see if they are going to get anymore of them, or not...... Or, if you are REALLY incredibly lucky, a Mopar M1 2 barrel manifold would be way cool. Match the cam to the RPM range you want the engine to operate at, some good headers, and a tune, and you will build decent, if not stellar power, but, you won't need the right tires to push the house off the foundation either.

 

All good questions - I plan on just using the truck for sporting around, roasting tires and cruising really. I would like to run 20" wheels with a low aspect ratio tire. I'd like to tub the rear to get some wider tires on the rear as well as wanting to be able to slam it with a full airbag suspension and 4 link rear end. Not sure if I have the notch the frame or not yet. For some reason I have 400 HP in my head as I haven't ever had anything with very much grunt, it's all been 4 banger stuff.
I was planning on staying with fuel injection but not certain.
I don't need numbers - its the performance I'm after really. Thoughts?
I'm totally new to this arena...

Thanks again!

 

Define "crusing". Just on the boulevards with the rest of the crew, speeds 45MPH and under? Down the 85MPH Interstate?

(Yes, it makes a bit of difference.)

But overall - stiffer rear gears is where I'd start. Do you know what you have in the back now?

RwP