Hi, I have a 1994 3.9L 4WD with a bad trans. I have access to a 1997 Dakota 5.2L 4WD with a rotted frame and I was thinking of swapping the power train.
has anyone done a switch between the years like that? If so what kind of hurdles did you run into?

 

1994 used EGR, but by 1997 the improved ECU avoided the need for it.

You could hunt up a 1996 V8 Dakota and swap the ECU and wiring harnesses over to take care of that.

The 1994 transmission is a RH transmission; the 1997 is a RE; again, you'll need to choose between a) using the V6 transmission and a 94/95 ECU and adding the extra two injectors; b) using a 1996 ECU and wiring (they went to the RE in 1996); and c) might have to fiddle with the transfer case too.

RwP

 

I can't just use the PCM\ECU and harness from the 97? I don't want to use the smaller trans with the 8 cylinder it already is burnt up.

 

Well, the instrument cluster on a 1997 is driven off the ECU whereas the 1994 is stand alone. So there's that to confuse matters worse.

Steering column may swap or may not; the front end had several parts redesigned for 1997.

This is going to be a longer drawn out procedure than you think it is, and it's going to cost more than you plan. Just be aware of that.

RwP

 

ok thanks