I have a 1996 Dodge Dakota with a 3.9L V6 Magnum and an AX15 manual trans, and I want to swap the 3.9 with a 5.2. I have everything figured out regarding the flywheel, wiring, etc, but there's one thing I can't get a solid answer on. The 5.2 I'm looking at is from a 1997 with an automatic trans, will there be an issue with installing the pilot bearing? I haven't seen the engine in person, and I see some people saying that it doesn't have the pilot bearing hole cut in the crank on engines that were with autos, and some people say that it's cut no matter what, and I'd just need to put in the bearing. Does anyone know which is true? And if it doesn't have the hole for the pilot bearing, could I bring the crankshaft to a machine shop and have it machined? Any insight on this would be appreciated, thanks!

 

I've got a 1991 4x4 V6 with about 250k miles. I'm getting ready to rebuild the front suspension and swap the engine but have been hesitant to buy what is available, usually a '92 to '95 truck. I am searching for a wrecked truck with a complete engine, operable computer, and wiring harness. The '91 computer is different, the engine has TBI, etc., so I'm not sure if I can swap the engine bay harness from a later model into the '91.

Anyone have any experience with the Gen 1.a to Gen 1.b?

 

The answer is, it depends.

You'll have to check the engine you're dropping in; some were drilled, some were not.

(I mean, why drill for the pilot bushing if an automatic and flexplate is going behind?)

RwP

 

This would be better in its own thread, instead of piggybacking cc.5's thread.

You can, but.

But, I'd grab both the 1991 manual, and the donor manual, to cross check what does change (for somethings do.)

RwP

 

by the 90s that wasn't an issue any more. many older ones were drilled but not "finish reamed" with the AX15 the pilot bearing just goes in the hub pilot for the torque converter, not in the step bore beyond that like the older ones/ just be sure you use a V8 flywheel as tehre are different number and spacing of the "windows" for the crank sensor to detect.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by lotsawops

I've got a 1991 4x4 V6 with about 250k miles. I'm getting ready to rebuild the front suspension and swap the engine but have been hesitant to buy what is available, usually a '92 to '95 truck. I am searching for a wrecked truck with a complete engine, operable computer, and wiring harness. The '91 computer is different, the engine has TBI, etc., so I'm not sure if I can swap the engine bay harness from a later model into the '91.

Anyone have any experience with the Gen 1.a to Gen 1.b?

Check out this post. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...le-dakota.html He pretty much did what you are asking....