I have a 79 Power Wagon that i would like to swap to a diesel. I have read that the 5.9L Cummins came in the newer dodge trucks but not in mine, would this be a viable swap for my truck? is there a more comprable engine available? I believe the current engine is a 360 and it has a 3-speed auto. any input would be appreciated

 

Click on Search in the middle of the black bar above. Click on advanced search. Type in diesel swap for (search by keyword) and at the bottom click on first Gen Ram for (search forum). You can then read all about this subject. It is a big project to make this switch.

 

what is with people wanting to stick a 5.9L cummins in there truck. whats wrong with a 3.9L cummins? it would probably be easier to install with less need for upgrade to the suspension.

 

I guess it depends on the use you have for it. The 3.9 was 130HP with 355FT-LBS of torque and the 5.9 was 350HP with 650FT-LBS of torque. For a 3/4 or 1 ton I would go for the 5.9 if I was going to do the swap. It is just simpler and better to go buy a diesel if that is what you want unless you are doing it just to say you did it.

 

my friend that has a dakota was saying just the other day that he eventually wants to drop a 5.9L cummins in it. i also suggested the 3.9 to him also. weight wise to install a diesel it would be easier to install a 3.9 as apposed to a 5.9. to install a 5.9 you would most likely have to upgrade to the front suspension. if i had a 3/4 or 1 ton i would probably also go with 5.9.

 

Shoot, for the price of a diesel swap, you could build a really trick 360 or possibly a 440 swap with some money left over.

I had purchased a factory manual for my truck that came with a diesel truck supplement. Wow, what a lot of differences in parts, gauges, wiring and suspension etc. A whole different truck within the same model year. Mucho dinero for a swap!

 

I very much agree, it is a completly different truck to be able to handle the 5.9, from drivetrain to suspension to wiring, the bare engine alone weighs in the neighborhood of 900 lbs.....

This swap is not to be taken lightly....but would make an interesting build

 

If you can find a 90-93 diesel truck then the swap is very straight forward provided you have have good mechanical skills. You will have all the parts you need from brackets, mounts, etc.

I have done one swap into a truck and another into a Ramcharger.

Here is a link with more info: http://ramchargercentral.com/diesel-...ks-to-threads/