So eventually I wanna do 5.2 swap...

This new pick n pull yard opened and I went the other day and they have 7 or 8 1st gen Dakota , some with 5.2, anyways what I'm getting at, is what are the hard parts to find for swap? What should I go ahead and get now? These vehicles haven't been touched yet

 

I think the only difficult thing to find is the 46rh 4x4 which came on the V8 4x4's 92-95 usually they are the first thing to go and they are beat up. If you got the money time and space go ahead and buy them. I would say rebuild then when they are ready drop them in. Your going to want the engine 100% complete.

 

46rh?

 

46rh is the transmission used on v8 4x4. the 3.9 4x4 uses a different transmission and they are NOT interchangeable.... also you cannot use a 2wd truck transmission in a 4x4 truck, it wont work.

 

Yes correct the 46rh is only for v8's. 42rh is V6 and 4cly.

Yes they are interchangeable. But not recommended to put the V6 transmission (42rh) behind the V8 it will not last, remember Dodge didn't put it behind the V8 for a reason.

Putting the V8 transmission (46rh) behind the V6 is just fine, more strength.

And technically you can put a 2wd transmission on a 4wd but you got to use a divorced transfercase or swap output shafts with a 4wd transmission.

And you can put a 4wd transmission on a 2wd but custom mount and driveshaft.

 

thanks crazy! did not know about the divorced transfer cases OR swapping output shaft. Thanks!