I have a 96 (rollover) V/6 4X4.

I would like to know if the 96 engine is a direct bolt in to my 1987 2 wheel drive.

Both are automatic transmissions.

(my 87 threw a rod due to lack of oil by youngster)

For example,.. Computor plugin (if any) differences would likely alarm me. LOL ,. I am a old school yes,.. but pretty doggon good shade tree hobby mechanic.

I have done lots of sawaps on other manufacturers as well as numerous older dodges. But not on either of these.

What can you tell me about this potential swap? Gordon

 

Yes, bolt on, no mods sans:

ECU, wiring etc. Probably best to swap over the dash instrument cluster and Computer behind the glovebox. Since you have both you have all parts neccessary to do it.

 

if the 89 is a v6 then it would be best to swap the motors and anything that isn't obdii onto the motor your putting in. this way your not messing around with the wiring.

 

So, all the "engine to engine' stuff interchanges 87 to 96?

BTW, V/6's both automatics both. Gordo

 

My question also, I have an engine out or a 94 model that I was wondering about if it bolted up the same as the engine in my 87 . I don't have any of the electronics from the 94 but is everything else the same ? Will there be any major differences other than the starter ? Appreciate any info just want to get my 87 4x4 back going !

Tim H.

 

because the 96' and newer is obdii it will have more sensors and such than the obdi's will so make sure you switch the sensors out.

and Wham your motor will bolt up with out having to change anything because its pre-96, but iirc, in 87 they had a carb instead of mpfi or tbi. if this is the case then swapping the intake should work.

 

Just throwing this out there, but why not change out the long block and run the same configuration? I admit that I am not too savvy about the pre-mag to mag stroke and bore on the V6, but it seems that the newer engine, if the same, would work with the original fuel setup. Also, earlier noted is that you have a carb vs TBI intake setup. Is that really the option your after? Or are you trying to update the system?

 

That thought had crossed my mind but I need to see how much of the TBI is still there . Actually got the motor at a good deal but didn't pay a lot of attention to the details . Engine is out of a 94' (was that year considered a Magnum in V6 ?) that was wrecked with about 90,000 miles on it . The PO claimed it was a very good motor, but he totaled the truck in a wreck with no damage to engine compartment . Wasn't really looking for a motor at the time, still thinking about doing a rebuild but he wanted it gone out of his garage and I happened to have about $75.00 left on me after my day of buying and trading for Cub Cadet garden tractors and like I said he wanted it gone asap even though he was really asking for a lot more . Anyway, y'all have got me fired up just reading this forum and I'm ready to get my 4WD Dakota back online . It was a really great truck but as mentioned in an earlier post by someone else it fell victim to lack of Oil by my teenage son and eventhough it will still crank and run it has an awful "rattle" in the engine . Also it only has 149,000 on it but has lived the life of a Ram 2500 what with the hauling and pulling and everything it was subject to . I drive a 96 1500 SLT now with about 150k on it everyday and the gas mileage is about the same as the Dakota was but the Dakota was a whole lot more fun !

Appreciate the info,
Tim H. (wham)

 

With that said then yes, the newer engine is a bolt in. However, the system is very different than what is native to the vehicle. Personally, I, would recommend:

A: swapping the long block
B: maintain original induction (just easier)
C: swap exhaust manifolds (???)
D: Top end cleaning (ya know gaskets, timing chain, and stuff)
E: Drive her until she breaks

Benefits of the newer engine "should be" roller style cam, better flowing magnum style heads (which you could port and match to the intake/exhaust while it is off), newer and about 50 more hp (+/-). Now before anyone thinks of flaming me, realize this is based on economics and confidence of the OP. I would not recommend changing out the sensor banks and computer, however the new cam may have issues with the original computer (I do not have the specs handy).