I've been running an AX in my Dak with a 318 for a while now. The 318 is in sad shape and I found a 360 with only 135k for an absolute steal. So that's gonna go in instead.

I don't hammer on it, most I've ever towed is maybe 3k pounds and not often. Still, a bit nervous about the AX. Anyone else running an AX behind a 360 and for how long?

 

These where put behind 4 and 6 cylinder engines so it may have limitations towing with a V8. If you are nervous about it why did you install it?

 

Tbugden! Good to hear from you.
I put a 5.9 in my 87, but I'm using a nv3500
FWIW. Seems like the jeep people use them behind v8's quite a bit.
If that is what I had (ax15), I would use it.

 

I didn't, i just never took it out after I swapped to a 318.

Realistically the most I'll probably tow except for very exceptional circumstances is a small utility trailer that even my Accord could tow. Even with that though if I hammered on it frequently I'm skeptical if it would last.

Honestly I'd probably just rebuild it or maybe sell it to a Jeep guy if I blow it up.

 

Hi ragtop . Is your 5.9 FI or Carb? I think I knew at one point but it's been a while since I've been on here.

Yeah I'll run it, as an experiment if nothing else. Pretty sure my foot will have to get used to the power as the 318 that's in it now is really really sad. Low compression on two cylinders, one of which is completely dead and the other misfiring. And the block is extremely rotted being as it was originally on a plow truck.

 

FWIW, I "think" the Ax15 is only rated 40 ft. lbs less then the NV3500...... Worst case, if you break it, the NV3500 is pretty much a bolt in.... Mine came out of a 2004 4.7 dakota. I had to make a bracket to hold the transfer case shifter, and an adapter plate for the crossmember, but mine came with a NV2500. I believe the crossmember is the same with a AX15 and NV3500.
IMO its a no brainer to use a 5.9. Cost is about the same, but you are gaining low end torque.
Mine, I went through the engine, put in a reman. crank, rings, etc. Reused cam and lifters, etc. and replaced the heads with some stock style cast iron heads from ebay, (new)
I put a edelbrock intake with a holley 670 carb, and a hei ignition.
Aint no race truck, but runs a lot better then the 125hp V6 I pulled out!!

One last thing, you do know you will need a 96 and up 5.9 flywheel, to keep engine balance correct.

 

I do believe you were one of the ones advocating for a 5.9 when I picked up the 5.2. You were right, although I don't really regret it since the truck I pulled the 5.2 out of was basically free. Still, the anemic 5.2 is a real drag right now and I'm excited to fit the 5.9.

Yeah good point about the flywheel. I already picked one up after some deliberation as to whether to have a machine shop "un"balance the flywheel or even to try to DIY it with my friend's CNC. He's pissed that I decided to buy a new one instead for $100. Guess he's super bored and wants to help. I told him pulling the trans again is not my idea of fun and I'd rather be 99.9% sure that the flywheel I install won't have problems.

Working on my girlfriend's BMW today and tomorrow, hopefully I'll get to my truck on Wednesday. All the parts (gaskets, flywheel) are here ready to go.

The engine also came with all wiring/ECU and a bad 46RE trans. All accessories, everything intact, not a single wire or hose cut. All for $200. I can probably get around $100 for the trans/TQ converter and maybe 40 for the ECU, perhaps $20 for the oil pan, leaving a net cost of damn near zero for the engine. That's the plan anyway. Came out of a '97 Ram with 135k, had the cluster to prove it. Oil and coolant are perfect and only the most minor surface rust on the block. I'm pretty hopeful about it.

Edit: also to note the only reason the guy got rid of the engine is because he was dropping the clean 2500 body onto a Cummins chassis. Around here, "clean" is real hard to come by and if it's clean, might as well be a Cummins.

 

Good deal!