Well I got my nv3500 for my swap in today excited to finally get it up into the truck probably start on it tomorrow hopefully my shifter will be here soon as well. Getting closer to the 5.9 swap.

 

Looks good, is that a rebuilt unit?

 

Stoked to see the install/swap as I am torn between a 5.2 and a 5.9. Unfortunately I will also need a new transmission (AX-15) not solely because of power limits but the AX synchros are not happy as it is. If you wouldn't mind could ya post up any troubles you encounter with the 5.9 swap? Don't need a DIY of course but just little things that could be helpful.

Looking forward.

 

Yes it is but it's supposed to be an upgraded unit to handle more power I got it from smart parts auto and they claim it will hold more than factory Nv3500's. Also has heavy duty synchros, bearings, and seals. And they dyno tested it before sending it to me so it's already been put under load and shifted through the gears.

 

Oh and has 1 yr unlimited mileage warranty.

 

Yes the ax-15 wasn't going to cut it for me and mine was already shifting rough bc of synchros and had a little. Bit of chatter to it.

I debated a 5.2 and 5.9 for quite awhile and from gathering info on here from a few people and doing research I have decided to go with the 5.9 mainly for one more power than the 5.2 just right out of the box. And is supposed to still be a real straight forward swap as well as the 5.2. I also like the cool factor as well bc around where I live you don't see a first gen Dakota with a 5.9 but there are plenty of 5.2 ones around and I wanted to stand out more than that. And I have a small car for a daily so I don't care about gas mileage. But honestly the 3.9 doesn't get crap for mileage anyway in mine.

I will definitely post updates and if I come across any good to know info I will post on here about it.

 

Do you have the Magnum 5.9 flywheel for your swap?

Looking forward to following your progress. Sounds like it's gonna be a fun little truck.

 

I Haven't gotten the flywheel yet having to budget and get everything as I go but I should be getting it soon.

I can't wait to have it done and I will post updates as they come.

 

Okay guys I currently have got the nv3500 bolted in and I have come to notice that it appears dodge rotated the starter position just slightly on this transmission so I will have to notch my factory dust cover so I can see the bolt holes.

I assume this won't cause any issues with the starter still working? And does anybody know exactly why the starter was rotated some like this?

 

The trans I put in mine came with a dust cover/inspection plate, so it worked fine with the starter. If the plate you're using is from the AX-15 I guess there could be a slight difference in where they located the starter. The AX-15 was used exclusively behind V6 motors I believe, so the starter may have been a bit closer in due the smaller diameter clutch/flywheel on those motors (guessing here). As long as the nose of the starter goes through the hole and can engage the alignment hole in the bell housing, notching out the bolt holes shouldn't hurt anything.

I just noticed your NV3500 is a 4WD version. Did you put it in from under the truck, or thru the engine bay? I'm asking because I put mine in from the engine bay and looking at it now, it looks like an awful tight squeeze if I were to try and pull it away from the motor and out from under the truck. That crossmember that covers the swaybar under the bellhousing looks like it would get in the way; like you'd have to pull the trans back so far that it would hit the trans tunnel before clearing the crossmember.