Did u use the same transmissim and was it an automatic?

 

would it be possible to do a 3.9 swap to a 5.2 or 5.9 with a stock 5 speed manual transmission?

 

were you able you use your fan shroud from the 3.9 or did you have to get a different one? Also where did you get your new connectors for the new to injectors?

 

i so wanna see some videos i am retardedly jealous. how much total did you spend? and did you use stock trans for the 3.9?

 

yeah did you use the stock trans for the 3.9...?

 

I just found this thread and am anxious also to know about the trans. I am rebuilding a 5.9 to replace the 3.9 in my '97 4x4 dak also. I've been told that the 42re wont stand up to the 5.9L for long, nor will the 8.25 rear end. I've been looking at Durango rear ends, the 9.25. Just wondering if it will be like, plug-and-play, so to speak, for the Dak. I have been looking at a bullet-proofed 46re for about $2500 so once I'm done building the 5.9, I'll be looking at some serious overtime to pay for the tranny. Nice to see someone else doing that same thing as I am, to compare notes.

 

As for the stock V6 transmission holding up to the V8, lots of people have kept it in and they have posted up saying it runs fine. But I wouldn't trust it, who knows where it will leave you stranded. Don't risk it, Dodge didn't when they didn't put it behind the V8.
Just get a 44re for 5.2 or 46re for the 5.9 or setup and do a race 46re from www.phoenixtrans.com

As for the rear end the Chry 8.25 will handle the power of a 5.9 just fine. Trust me I got a 5.9 with 33's and the Chry 8.25 with 27 splined axle where 2nd Gen 8.25 is 29 spline. And I drive my truck hard with that motor and those tires and a rear locker, with offroad and dragstip use.

But upgrading is always good, but totally unneeded if it is a stock or mildly stock 5.9.

 

I'm working on swapping my 3.9 with a 5.2 but I am having trouble finding a couple parts. The first thing is the fan srhoud, did you just trim yours or did your find one from a wrecking yard or buy a new one? The other thing is the connectors for the fuel injectors, where were you able to find thoes?

 

Hey Crazy! I keep hoping to hear that the stock rear end will work for my build but alas, the included caveat "stock or mildly modified" always gets in the way. The 5.9L that I have on my workbench was magnafluxed, bored out .040 over, align bored, zero decked, coated Keith Black KB107 piston heads and skirts, all bearings and crank and cam shafts. Comp cam, new hydraulic lifters, hardened edelbrock pushrods going to Harland Sharp pedestal mount roller rockers actuating 2.02 intakes and 1.62 exhaust valves in new RHS cast iron heads. Edelbrock/Hughes F1 intake manifold and twin 53mm throttle body. Ford 24# injectors. Edelbrock Titanium/ceramic coated headers. I dont know how much power this engine will produce with all this but I know I need a bulletproofed 46RE and a 9.25 inch rear end. I also know where to find the rear end but what about the front differential? I know they have to match but does the Durango have a heavy duty front end?

 

I would say the Chry 8.25 could handle that motor you building. As long as the rear end is in good condition with correct backlash and good bearings ect. If need be rebuild it with new bearings. But ya upgrading is always good.

As for the front end yes it could handle it but when you start pushing extremely hard it could be the weak spot. I don't know what size tires you have but with my 33's and the 5.9 and going pretty darn hard on it on some steep hills hard on the throttle I busted up my front axle, just about equal in size. But for everyday use or pushing it with a little more force it will be fine. It is when it is Extreme situations.

As for Durango's front axle, I don't know much about it, but I would assume it is IFS, and not an upgrade. Check in the Durango section to see for sure.