VW's just aren't for me. I guess they can be quick but I'd much rather have an old muscle car.

 

i saw a diesel grand cherokee on the internet and was wondering if with diesel being more expensive would you break even on the cost to run it or not?

 

reliability, power, and fuel economy for the particular size of the vehicle it's going into.

 

hey if it wasn't for one person on this forum i wouldn't say **** about vw

 

A VW TDI in a Dakota would be about as gutless as the original 2.5L Gas. A 4BT would scoot, espically after a few easy tweaks.

Though I have no hands on experience, the 4BT really seems like a gem. Simple, way rugged, all mechanical fuel delivery and governance, common parts with the big 6, loud, smokey , 300 ft-lb with ease...One of my dream projects.

Some front end upgrades might be in order; IRC the 4BT weighs as much as a big block V8. A NV3500 or stronger trans would probably be wise.

 

weighs about 750 pounds. plenty of videos on youtube. i beleive you can get away with using a trans from a ram that sits behind the 5.9

 

about the VW... all are FWD as someone else pointed out

also, do the 4bt its ****ing sick!... if you really want to stand out, do a 5.9 swap

 

Just in case anyone else finds this old thread I can say that the VW TDI has been a very popular swap the last few years. Lots of Jeeps, Ford Rangers,Toyota trucks and a few Dakotas running around with the TDI engine. I have a Jeep Cherokee and a Jeep JKU both with a 1.9 TDI. They FLY!
On the other hand I have a common rail 4BT in my 08 Dakota and love it for towing our 5th wheel but its heavy and does not rev like the TDI does.
TDI adapters for many vehicles here. https://tdconversions.com/