I have a 1990 dodge dakota short box regular cap with the older 89? 3.9L in it.. its got the two barrel throttle body instead of the newer multi port magnum intake. its also got the 3 speed in it intead of the 4 speed. my questions are one what 318/360 will bolt right in wihtout an oil pan or anything. and is the transmission in it right now compatible with a 318 or 360? if not what do you reccomend for a transmission and driveshaft that will work with the 318/360 and stock rearend in it now? I dont know much about dodge this is my first project with a dodge.

 

I dont know about the engine bolting right in, but my 1995 Dakota with a 5.2 and auto trans came with the A518 (46rh) transmission. Do you know which transmission is currently in your truck? If not you can always request a build sheet from dodge that will tell you.

 

I think it might me the a500. its the 3 speed they put in the dakotas before the a518.

 

The A500 and the A518 are the 727 and 904 respectively with overdrive, so both are 4 speed. You probably have either the 727 or 904, which should both fit the 318, but you should try to find out for sure what your transmission is. You also might want to go ahead and get a 4 speed if you can get your hands on one cause it will help out a lot with gas milage.

 

you have the 904 tranny. there is a guy on here named mini that did a 360 LA swap and still has the 904 in his dak. i also have a beefed up a500 and it works great behind my 318. you could poke a 318 or 360 in there, just use the dakota oil pan for the 318.

 

Verry cool thank you verry much.