i have an 88 dakota 4x4 with a 3.9 auto
the 3.9 has packed it in in a big way and it seems they are hard to find here.
what motors would swap in without much problems and what years would fit including the 3.9's
thanx

 

You can put any 3.9 , 5.2 or 5.9 with the triangle bolt pattern block mounts. All of these are balanced different,so get the converter to match. You have to remove the fan on the 8 , then it fits fine.

 

hey can someone tell me why i can't use a newer 3.9 to just drop in it
or at least what the differences are

 

87-96 blocks will drop right in. 97 and up are a new block design .I have not looked at the mounts on the 97+.The 97+ block has a full lower block girdle,like a Keith black

 

sweet, thanx for the info