Ok So I'm new to the forum and need to ask the age old questions all over
 

Greetings from SW Virginia.
I recenlty aquired a really nice 1 Gen Dakota 4x2 LE model with the 3.9L V-6. I know these questions have been asked a hundred times before.
But I didn't see specific to a few questions regarding engine swaps.
So please correct me if I'm wrong here.
First off I wrote to dodge and got the build sheet for my truck.
My concerns were with the Tranny.
On the sheet it only says

"DGB All 4-Speed Automatic Transmissions
DGNS 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
DHAS Lock-Up Torque Converter
DMDS 3.55 Rear Axle Ratio "

It does not give me a model number for the transmission so I'm not sure what I really have. Can anyone tell me?

Second: I know there is a lot of mixed up information out there about engine swaps. Some good and some bad. I'm looking for the easiest way to upgrade the 3.9 to a v-8 without major expense.
Easier said than done I'm sure.
I believe I may be able to swap the 3.9 for the pre-magnum 318 without major changes. Or I may be wrong. The 3.9 engine mounts seem to be at the front of the motor. It's the same in my 2002 Durango with the go slow 4.7L engine in it. Does anyone have the right information on which model 5.2 or 318 will swap without changing the crossmembers and engine mounts? Let me know.
Will my current 4 speed automatic bolt direclty up to it or do I need to replace that as well? Do i need to go FI or Carb? Right now I have TB in the 3.9L motor. I guess I'm rambling but this is really myfirst Dak project.
I found two used 318 engines locally for less than $300 with low miles on them. So it only depends on what else I need to obtain to make the swap.
Tahnks for any help.
Alex

Well, the 5.2L V-8 is the 318, just a different name/size specification. You will probably need different motor mounts, maybe a different radiator...don't know if the sensors and wiring harness are plug-and-play. Somewhere in the FAQ section is a piece that tells you how to ID your auto tranny by crawling up under the truck and looking at the bottom profile. I think there were only 2 auto trannys used in Dakotas. You may also need a different driveshaft. Stay with fuel injection if you can, carbed engines are okay but get fewer mpg and require more maintenance.

Welcome to DodgeForum!

If you have a 3.9 auto, you should have the 42rh (a500) automatic transmission. This particular transmission is a real peice of crap, and if you're looking to do a v8 swap, you will want to swap in a 46rh (a518).

Now, about your motor swap...

The '87-90 dakotas differ from the '91-'96 dakotas in that the underhood area is smaller (shorter distance from the radiator to the firewall). A v8 will not fit with a radiator fan on it, and an electric fan won't fit between the radiator and engine. This only leaves you with one option... get an electric pusher fan and put it in front of the radiator. Obviously, the fan shroud will have to come out, so you will need to mount an overflow bottle somewhere.

But thats should be your only fitment issue. Your v6 motor mounts should work on the v8. I know they are the same for the magnum engines, so I assume they are also the same for the LA engines.

For a computer, you have a couple options... You can use one out of a dodge ram, or a 1991 dodge dakota 5.2. The '91 dakota is the only year they put the LA 5.2 in from the factory.

But if you find an engine, wiring harness, computer, and transmission, and pick up a fan, it should be a fairly simple swap. Do some research on the Shelby Dakota for more information on stuffing a v8 into your body style.