hey quick question. my truck got the 3.9 in it. and the ford axles. what would i have 2 change if i want 2 put a v-8 in it. and what v-8 do i put in, and will it all bolt up with no mods??? i searched the forum and found nothing that will help me with it. if somebody could give me a link or something 2 help me out.

thanks

 

Lol. Search motor swap and you should find tons. This question gets asked almost daily.

The short answer is no. Youll need to change your transmission to one that was originally behind a v8, since the v6 trannys arent up to the task. Your transfer case will be fine. Youll need the harness from the v8, and I would take the computer as well. Dont remember if you need the v8 motor mounts or not, but I think so. Depending on what coils they used it may change your ride height a bit. Your axles should be plenty to handle it.

 

depends really.. there is a lot of work to do if swapping an engine of different size.. because of the size you have to accomodate where everything is next to the new engine and if it does bolt up to your mounts or if you need to make new ones.. I have heard of people doing it, but pain in the ***.. go for it!!!

 

i am going 2 go for it. i just have 2 see how much it is going 2 run me. and what motor do i put in it???? like what year truck and so on

 

You'll be looking for a magnum series 318 or 360 (5.2L or 5.9L). The 318 is a factory engine for these trucks, and all the parts will be out there. The 360 is externally identical with different internals, and as long as you have a computer for it, it will fit just as well. You'll want to look for an engine out of a 92+ Dakota, Ram, Ram van, or Jeep Grand Cherokee ('93+ if you want the 360). Your v6 engine mounts will work on the v8 in case you find one out of a jeep or something that would have different mounts. As for the computer, unless you want to do a crap load of wiring, you'll want a '94-'95 PCM for a 318 or 360. The two aren't interchangeable unless you go with the mopar performance pcm... which I recommend. When I say interchangable, I believe Crazy4x4RT is running his 360 off a 318 MP PCM and I'm running a 318 off a 360 MP PCM. Both set ups work just fine cause the MP PCMs have a wide enough fuel map. Also, keep in mind if you find a '96+ engine that when they switched over to OBDII in '96, there were some minor changes in the intake manifold... They went to 1 ECT sensor and you'll need to drill and tap the hole for the other and they lost the EGR valve (it will throw a code if you don't have the EGR so depending on where you live that could be a problem). If you find an engine and need a '95 intake manifold for it, PM me cause I have one. Also, since the magnum v8s are MPI, you'll either need to find the engine harness from a v8, or simply run your own wires for the extra 2 injectors. You'll also need to find a v8 fan shroud. I think that pretty much covers it though. It's really a very simple swap.

As skyshark already said, you'll need a transmission from a v8 unless you get yours built. Since you have a 5 speed, you have 2 options... get a direct fit nv3500 or get an nv4500. The nv4500 requires you have a 2 inch body lift to fit in the transmission tunnel. I can't tell for sure, but it looks like that truck has a body lift? Just look for spacers between the body and frame if you want to know.

 

it has a 2 inch body and thank you for the help

 

I would look for whichever you can get cheaper 318 or 360. Im building a 360 to replace my 318(going in my wifes scout). Ill need the extra umph to push the 37s I plan on running around in the crap I play in. But either will provide a good amount of power.

 

you should read my handy write up in the faq section, it will answer all of these questions.