i've got a 97 dakota 2wd v6 5 speed with 251k miles on it. i want to swap in a 4bt or 6bt when the v6 dies. i've done research but still have a few questions that i haven't found the answers to.

i have a few questions that i need answered by someone who has experience with this. anyone who has had either diesel engine is welcome to give input

1) with the added weight from both engines, will i need to find some stiffer springs for the front? i don't want to lower the truck but i'm sure some stiffer springs will be needed. any recommendations?

2) is there any electronics from the diesel donor truck needed? ecu, harness, etc?

3) will my stock gauges work like factory after the swap is complete?

4) would it be better to swap out the current 8.25 rear to a 9.25 or bigger?



i might have more questions later, but these are the main concerns so far. thanks for any input

 

You're entering into a world of ****, good luck.

4btswaps.com

 

that's what i was thinking. i've only seen 4wd trucks swapped. i'm trying to be different since i already have a 4wd with plenty of power

thanks

 

There was a guy that I worked with who had a Mercedes diesel from a 300 car. It was a 5 banger and had a turbo. he used the engine and trans from the ugly 300 car. His '95 2wd ext cab Dak threw a rod. His swap was done fairly easy as he had both vehicles and could scavenge parts and had acces to the machine shop. It was a sweet ride when we would go for lunch. he had lots of torq and speed.