Hey guys, I just blew my engine in my '97 dodge dakota and was hoping you guys can help me with a few questions. I bought it new and have kept perfect care of it since then so I am at a loss as to why this happened so soon. It has about 120K miles. I dont know whats wrong until I pull the motor but I was wondering what you guys recommend I do, the engine is seized right now and I was thinking of rebuilding it or replacing. Which vehicles have the same engine I need? Its the V6. I was thinking some jeeps and the durango maybe? thanks

 

Its 2wd auto tranny as well...

 

I will move this to the 2nd Generation Dakota Sub-Forum.

 

I am new and have respect for all the hard work that went into the making of this SUPERB forum,... So why doesn't someone answer? He posted on the 23rd.

Gordo440

 

Any 1992 to 2003 magnum 3.9 motor would work. Would not matter if it came from a dakota, ram, or ramvan. If the motor was a 92-95 it would necessitate you swapping the sensors from your blown motor onto the new one as you would be going from obd1 to obd2. If it was a 96-03 it would swap in without sensor replacement however the condition of the sensors should be checked. I swapped in a 99 360 from a ramvan into my 92 dakota. I replaced all the obd2 sensors with obd1. FWIW if in your shoes and rebuilding the motor I would go ahead an do a complete freshening on it. New water pump, timing setup, oil pump...etc to go along with the rebuild. If putting in a replacement motor I would do the same plus a complete gasket job. ALOT easier to do when the motor is out and you know that those will not become a future issue.

 

thanks for the great reply jnjinfla, I appreciate it. When you did your swap or just in general, is it better to leave the tranny in or pull them both? thanks again.

 

Well mine was more of a complete redo than a swap. I rebuilt the tranny, tcase, freshened up the motor, new brakes, steering, suspension, exhaust. However in your situation and if I had a cherry picker strong enough and a few friends to help I would pull the motor and tranny out in one piece. You could then do a freshening on the tranny too for not alot of $$$ if your budget allows.

 

Yea thats what I was thinking, the book says to leave the tranny in when removing the engine but it looks like it may be more difficult to get it on and off while the engine is in the car.