hey everyone, this is my first post here!

Ive got a 2001 dakota with the 3.9 v6, 5-speed manual.

i think the rear is getting ready to go and the engine has some pretty high mileage.

i would like to swap out the v6 for a v8 (5.9L) someday.

if that is possible/practical then seeing how i must already replace the rear, if the driveshaft from my truck fits i would like to go out and pull a rear off an RT. and that could be the first step towards the upgrade process.

so to reiterate.

Can a dakota sport be converted to an RT?
Does the transmission from a sport bolt to a 5.9 and can it handle the torque well?
Will the driveshaft from a sport fit into an RT's rear?
and what other major upgrades/modifications must be made to convert to RT status?

Thanks for the input!
Grant

oh and by the way,
if this all sounds good and i decide to do it, im not going stock 5.9. my "plan" is to start building the truck up while still being able to use the 3.9, i would like to buy a 5.9 and put it on a stand in the garage to be worked while i wait until my stock 3.9 kicks...

 

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-5-9-swap.html

read this.

Theres also a 5.7 hemi swap guide in the faq sticky! Which i think is a bit better!

 

ok cool, so it can be done. thanks

now my next real question, is it safe to replace only the engine? they didnt mention much about technical specs and am still wondering if my Dakota's power train would be capable of withstanding the added torque from the 5.9?

 

I believe you would need to retube or get a new driveshaft. and you will need to replace the tranny and engine.

I am not 100% sure though. Someone should chime in soon!

 

The problem with putting the 5.9 to your 5spd is not only that the 5spd won't hold up to the 5.9's torque for very long, but also because ALL 5.9's are externally balanced so you will need to get a special flywheel. You could probably get one from a 5spd Ram 5.9L.... if you can find one and it'll fit in your tranny's bellhousing. I haven't really looked into it, but I'm sure it can be done.

Good luck!

- miggity

 

I have a 2002 5.9 Ram,Wiring harness complete with PDC"Fuse Box",and both ECM and TCM.Both work and you'll need the harness if doing a motor swap to a 5.9.
I'll take exactly what I paid for it all, $200.00."With Warranty" I also have a 2004 Hemi Dash harness"to speedo,tac, Etc....". I'll take $100.00 for that.It can also be used for other models.
I also have all the parts from the 2001 Dakota I put the Hemi into.Motor ,Transmission, Altanator ,Starter , etc...
Anyone interested in this can E-mail me @gbgbrose@yahoo.com.
If you need help or have questions about your swap, Just write. Good Luck with it.

 

Tranny wont hold up for very long I would recomend doing a nv4500 its more hd im sure the tranny in your truck is ax15