There are lots of more powerful yet still reliable engines. And while I'm a big fan of GM engines, it's not like I'm going to say I don't like the modern Hemi, or even a diesel such as the Cummins. Why not swap something like that in if you're doing so much work anyway?

 

Cummins swap is WAY more time consuming than a 5.9 swap. with a cummins your talking about new tranny,transfer case,gears,im pretty sure you have to mod the oil pan and then you got to fab mounts for everything. As far as power and you being in 3rd on the highway something is not right. I can go up the mountain in od at 55mph and maybe only shift down 1 or 2 times. Drove my truck down to wv(130mi one way) and I crusied at 65-75mph in od around 1,800rpms

 

I don't know. It's not like I can't use 4th but it has no passing power, not that it's supposed to, but even just cruising, I have to put my foot down more with 4th than with 3rd, so it'd be stupid to use it.

It was an inheritance. It's a piece of crap.

 

if that is how you feel then sell the truck and please stop trolling our forum

 

x2.. this forum is for enthusiasts and the general public, not someone to come on here and bash the mopar brands.

 

lol @ trolling in this thread.

Trucks aren't meant to be fast.

 

First off, I'm actually going to agree with the guy. If your going to do a motor swap, swap in something worthwhile. Don't do the bigger is better approach. Mind you, I'm only saying this if you are going the performance route.

If your just looking to swap in something that is better than the 3.9, but cheaply, then yes a R/T swap is definitely worth the effort. There are plenty of people who have done it, and Varsis is indeed a good person to talk with. Another person to speak with would be Crazy4x4RT, as I believe he did a 5.9 swap into a 1st gen. Plenty of parts, and plenty of opportunity to enjoy it as well.

The 5.2 and 5.9 motors aren't the greatest motors, but they are definitely very solid good motors if properly maintained. That could be said for a lot of motors with GM too. However, saying they aren't worth the swap shows a lack of ignorance on your part. For a reg cab 2wd Dakota, the 5.9 will put down plenty of power while still being moderately fast.



However, for the original poster....

You will need a new tranny most definitely, as it'll kill the 3.9's transmission. You might not need new gears, depending on what is in it. You'll definitely need new motor mounts, exhaust, and of course fluids. You should be able to plug in most of the electronics, but not entirely sure. I know alot of the Dakota stuff is pretty interchangable.

My advice would be to look around and try to pick up a motor/tranny combo. Remember, these came in the Dakota's, Durango's, and Ram trucks. So you should be able to find a decent match easily.

 

I disagree, why else would people make performance versions of them? Or better yet, why make a 2wd version?

 

Jesus my 3.9 wasn't even that bad... I dunno wtf you did to your truck. My 4.7 has less torque and I never need to shift down from 5th to 4th and I drive up so reallly steep hills..

Plus a 5.9 swap is cake when it comes to engine swaps. And if you had one, through in a cam, set of heads and a mopar intake manifold before you put it in, and you have yourself a truck with extemely good torque and decent hp. It is more than worth it.

So take your pile of $hit GM motor and gtfo.