I just bought this truck and I'm very new to this stuff, I bought the truck as a project vehicle and I'm thinking about swapping the engine for extra power, and because it's leaking oil & burning oil.

I understand that I'll need a new wiring harness and a the 5.2 engine of course, but what else do I need? I understand I'll most likely also need a new front suspension for the increased weight.

 

Don't think there is much difference in suspension. I would do the swap, see how it sits, decide from there. Just not that much difference in weight. (the six is simply the 8, with two cylinders lopped off.....)

Wiring harness, and PCM. Being a 96, VIN flashing it isn't that much of an issue, but, *might* be required..... It is also possible that you could just have your PCM flashed for the V-8...

 

Ive seen some people talking about how the 5.2 burns up the transmission, but from my knowledge the 3.9 and 5.2 used the same a/t. Should I just stick with the original trans?

 

The 5.2 is too much motor for the 42RE..... but, they also came with the 44RE...... which is a bit more stout. If your current trans still works fine, run with it. Replace it when it becomes necessary. (or, you find a better one for cheap. )

 

I do later plan to possibly supercharge or turbocharge the engine, so would I be better off with a 46re instead? And should I possibly look into 5.9L instead of the 5.2L with forced induction in mind?

 

With forced induction, the difference in cubes won't matter. Sure, the 5.9 will make more power, per dollar spent, but, being a Dakota, with no weight on the rear wheels, you are going to be traction limited, not power limited.

But, with that in mind, what rear diff doesn't the truck currently have in it? With supercharged power levels, I bet the stock rear will blow up at the first HINT of a hard throttle hit.

Yeah, the 46RE would be a better plan. They can built to withstand some serious power, but, that ain't cheap. Ready to spend a couple grand on a trans?

 

So I'll prolly try and settle for 5.2L and 46 Trans. I believe the rear diff is a 8.25 assembly (no idea if that's the right figure). I plan to spend multiple grand on this truck (I practically bought it for nothing). I know some dakotas came with a 4wd option, but did they have the ability to toggle this mode? I prefer RWD for drifting, but 4WD is favorable for offroading and such. If there's no in-between I'll gladly stick to my RWD than 4WD if it means I can switch modes whenever.

 

They came in a lot of configurations over the years. 2wd, 4wd, Awd..... just depends on which t-case they had in 'em. All are selectable. NV242 is a 2spd t-case that also offers an AWD setting. Awesome for a winter driver, and would prolly work well with a high horse engine as well..... put power to all four wheels, instead of just the rears.