yes. but if you pull the engine out a hair you should be able to remove the inspection plate and remove the torque converter bolts. so it stays inplace while removing the engine. also befor purchasing a used engine inspect the condition of the valves by removing the valve cover to make sure it doesnt have any gunk built up due to failure to change oil. and make sure that the engine holds over 100psi in each cylinder. also it is a good idea to replace the oil pump on the used engine also. also remove the throttle body and inspect the plenum gasket. check for black deposits or burn oil inside the intake manifold. if there is you will have to remove it and replace the plenum gasket.
p.s. if your able to find a 5.9 i would upgrade. and yes it is safe to install the larger motor with the 44re tranny. but you will want to get the pcm that was used with that engine.
good luck with your swap and i hope you decide to upgrade your engine to the 5.9.
pce!

 

Finally, I have removed my engine after following recommendation of this forum. Please see attached photos

 

My replacement engine finally arrived and I need some advise. Do I install the torque converter to the engine first and then mating the engine with the torque converter to the transmission. Or installing the engine without the torque converter while the torque converter is left in the transmission. What is the simplest and easiest method?

 

Torque converter on the transmission. Make sure it is completely seated. It is easy to think it is on properly but still not be on far enough. Wiggle, push, and turn and repeat several times.

 

Hi, I am back after almost a year of silence. The silence was because I had to replace the engine and when engine started after a few weeks the transmission gave me problems. I overhauled the transmission and drove the Durango. However, the Durango did not pass the smog test. NOX was high. So I poured in a bottle of CRC (sure pass). I do not know whether a coincidence but after running one full gas tank, now the Durango started pinging when the acceleration is fully depress. No power at 2200 rpm. The engine runs well in idle and starts without problem. I had an error code 1391, so I replaced the camshaft position sensor or (for my Durango it is called pick-up coil located inside the distributor), throttle position sensor, rotor and distributor cap. I tried disconnecting the MAP to check whether if it is working. Once the connector is pulled out the engine idling became rough. I have timed the engine TDC the crankshaft pulley with the marker and rotor pointing to number one cylinder. My next move will replace the oxygen sensor and see whether this will improve the engine performance. I noticed that when engine is running I smell strong fuel (maybe too rich). Could the oxygen sensor fix this? I will greatly appreciate any suggestion or recommendation to resolve this issue. To sum it up it has been almost a year that my Durango has been out of service.