im getting a 1990 w150 with the 3.9 4spd and was wanting to know how good the motors are in theses trucks.

 

Define "good" for you. Powerful? Economical? Reliable? Easy to maintain?

Here's some basic info on the engine to get you started: http://www.allpar.com/mopar/39.html

Personally, I find the non-Magnum versions of the 3.9L to be perfectly reliable grinders if properly maintained. Are they the most powerful or the most efficient V-6s out there? IMHO, not so much.

The Magnums are a different story.

 

this truck will be an every day drive and some times a play in the mud truck. or would i be better off switchin my 5.2mag in it

 

I have a 88 d 100 (for now?)manual with a 3.9. I think the motor is very good and trans maybe a different story. It has more power than i would thought it would have maybe bc it is a manual. Don't know how it would do in mud,what is your trans?

 

its a TR4040 trans with a shift on the fly 241 trans case

 

IMHO, it's easier to buy what you want in the first place, rather than trying to make what you have into what you want.

If I was in your situation, and I wanted a V8, I would first try to find a truck with a V8. Going that route is going to be easier and probably cheaper in the long run than buying a V6 and doing a swap.

That being said, if you're looking for some serious play-in-the-mud power, I don't think the 3.9L is going to make you happy.

Again, just my two cents.

 

the only reason i bought this one is because it was 500 bucks and i have a motor it the dodge i drive now but its 2wd. the 5.2 i have is mfi but im thinkin about puttin a carb swap on it or trading it to a junk yard for a carbed 360

 

I've been looking and looking and looking . . . what's a TR4040 transmission? It sounds like a tremec, but I've never heard of it or can find any info on it.

 

i cant find any info either but it seams to be only in the service truck. the truck came for the state of georgia but it has the heavy duty package on it