Keep up the progress reports.

 

You can download the 95 factory service manual from the FAQ section. It worked fine for my 94 but I didn't go very deep. Bishko sells the paper and a cd version of them. You can get the cd for $40ish + shipping. Or look on ebay

 

I have a friend who's doing the same...just brought a 94 ext cab 4x4 back from Colorado to do it.

Steve

 

Wish you were closer...I'd relieve you of those fenders if there's no rust on them.

Steve

 

It's been a long fall season. Too much travelling, and then a bad case of the flu. Next step of my project is to pull the bed off the chassis. Finally seeing a break to get some shop time in.

 

For Christmas activities, pulling the bed off the Dakota came in a close second to opening presents! Only bleeding from one finger, so that's what I call a win!

 

If you don't bleed, it ain't a real job.

 

I just got a line on a 5.7L Hemi from a local shop. Owner of the Magnum R/T it came out of flaked 2 years ago. Looks like I could snag the motor, ecu/harnesses, and trans. I have also heard the 5.7 Hemi's had a problem dropping exhaust valve seats. Anyone have thoughts on this? It would definitely cost less than building a 318 stroker from scratch. Hmmm

 

I dont have anything to offer for advise on the 5.7, but if you stay with the magnum, personally I would not stroke a 5.2.... for the following reasons.
1. You can get a 5.9 short block cheap. Then either rebuild it stock stroke or stroke it. Stroker kits are cheaper for the 5.9 and it takes you to a 402-414 depending on bore of the motor.
2. Your heads and everything else is the same, except for the flywheel and damper.
JMO

 

The radiator and core support did not want to come out. Rusty body bolts are no match for a man with a sawsall! Time to pull the driveshaft, transmission, and motor.