Hi all. Ive been searching around and cant seem to find the answer im looking for. I have a pukey little 98 3.9 v6 4x4 dakota . its driving me nuts not having power like my old truck did. I have found a 2001 5.9 with tranny and computer. Was wondering if all that would work in my truck or if id have to find new pcm? Thanks in advance

 

I'm not the most knowledgeable person when it comes with transmissions, but I don't think that the one from the 2001 will work (I'm assuming it's at r/t and 2wd), because it won't be compatible with a transfer case.
And wouldn't the differentials have to be replaced in order to withstand the increased power/torque from the 5.9

 

Ive heard both. That you dont need to change diffs and that you need to. I plan on keeping the 5.9 stock......for now. I dont think im going to change the diffs.

 

The computer bus changed in '01. You have a 2 wire CCD bus in you '98. In '01 it went to a single wire PCI bus. They are not compatible.

You could get a PCM for a '99 5.9 along with the engine wiring harness, maybe from a boneyard.

We need more info on your transmission issue. Is it from a 2 or 4wd? If 4x4, do you get the transfer case - it will be electronically shifted, another issue to deal with.

What do you have for a rear end now? Both the 8 1/4 and 9 1/4 are fairly robust. You shouldn't have any real issues. The 9 1/4 is the heavier duty version.

 

That sucks bout computer. Oh well. I guess got to keep my eyes open. The engine and tranny are out of a 2 wheel drive.

 

what about a harness and motor from a 96? much work to make fit in 98?