So ive done the search and know there's a bit of information on here about the 3.9 to 5.9 swap but wanted to get more direct and updated knowledge.

First: I have a 1997 Dakota SLT 3.9L 2wd. Just to verify, the 5.9L will fit the motor-mounts of the 3.9l correct? I will replace them with new ones regardless but just making sure it fits.

Second: Do any parts from the v6 engine "such as starter, alternator, fan, etc" fit onto the 5.9L? Also I know I need the 5.9L flex-plate but does the v6 transmission work with a 5.9L or is the 5.9L transmission recommended?

Third: If I cant use the v6 transmission, is it safe to use the stock v6 rear differential? or do I need the 5.9L? Also I plan on installing an LSD regardless.

Fourth: As long as I replace the PCM and Wiring harness, Im good to go on the electrical part, correct?


I really appreciate all the help on this. The truck is being modded as a work/show truck so moving along pretty quickly. Its currently in the body shop having any dents/holes filled in and repainted and after this post buying the 12piece wingwest kit unless i find something in the forsale section so .... sorry for going on like a newb but figured I'd let you guys know whats up.

ps: i love smilies

 

Subscribed !! I have the same ambitions - same questions - same concerns - ,,,,, dammit man - i even have the same truck ,, Plus ,, i have beer money

 

1. Yes, motor mounts will slap right on.

2. Alternator, starter, fan, most sensors will slap right on. If you bought the motor and didn't get the flywheel, cheapest way to is to find a scrapped ram with the 5.9 and snag it, or when you're buying specify as a ram since for some reason places like Napa charge $60 more for the Dakota, despite being the EXACT same flywheel.

3. Yes, transmission will hold fine unless you're beating the living daylights out of it, same with the rest of the drive-line.

4. Easiest to just go with the 5.9 PCM and wire harness, was told you can just wire in the other 2 injectors for the 3.9 harness, but I went from 5.2 to 5.9 so I didn't really read into it.

 

On that PCM , did you just use your 5.2 PCM - or did you switch to a 5.9 PCM ? My next question is on the PCM it`s self , seeing how no `97 Dakota`s came factory with the 5.9 engine -- if i get a PCM for a 5.9 -- where/what would i look for to get one from ? would just any PCM work or does the donor vehicle have to have the same options as what i have on my truck to funtion properly ?? I have heard that the `97 PCM is a different animal to work with verses the `98 and up PCM`s and it is more difficult to go up a year on the PCM for the `97 model year trucks than what it is for the `98 and up model years ( heard this info from a dodge " expert " ) because this is really what`s holding me up on getting started on my conversion right now .

 

I'm not too sure on that one, didn't really read up on it other than that the 5.2 wiring harness and PCM would work.

Just get the PCM and wiring harness from a pre-2000 vehicle with the 5.9 and be done with it.

 

Does it really matter if I have a 97 or 98-00 SINCE im switching out the PCM, Wire harness and motor? :/

Also I know there wasnt a V8 in 97 but does a 00 v8 for example, along with the pcm and wiring harness resolve any issues I may incur with a 97 dakota?

ALSO what about o2 sensors? Are they going to have to be replaced? I plan on doing exhaust work regardless but figured I go ahead and get the sensors if they need to be replaced as I have ordered new cat for the v6 but have not installed it yet.

 

Please accept my apologies billetdakota , i just realized that i hijacked YOUR thread and ran with it , unintentionally of-course ,

 

i forgive ya... but somebody help me out with the question i asked about right before ponchorob please....

 

I did a 3.9 to 5.2 swap on my 2000 , and the only way to get the truck running was to use a 2000 5.9 PCM (They stopped making 5.2L engines in 1999, and a PCM from a 99 5.2 didn't work.)

So, I dont want to give you bad advice but I dont think their is any differece between a 5.2 and a 5.9 pcm. I could be wrong though. If you dont want to to that then id go with a 98 5.9 PCM.

I used my 3.9 harness and wired in 2 injectors. Or a harness from a 97 5.2 will work, but youll have to cut the injector wires off and splice on the ones for a 5.9L. (3.9 and 5.9 use same style plug, 5.2 is different)

O2 sensors will be fine.

Hope that helps and good luck

 

did you keep the v6 tranny and rear end intact???