Post up wanted ads on the net and in the paper. You can find one just takes some determination. 3.9's are older and can be find everywhere down here in the states.

 

After some more searching I ended up finding a local 3.9 out of a 2000 Dakota, 150,000 kms.

Now, since its a 3.9 to a 3.9 swap, do I still need all the other equipment such as the engine harness and whatever else I sometimes see on V6-V8 threads, or can I pull my engine, swap over the waterpump, AC, alternator etc and then drop it in?

Thanks again!

 

Update:

Tranny parts came in, replace them and no luck.

Truck needs a new engine and tranny now.

It would be a great time to do a 5.2 swap! However, I'm looking at a newer Toyota Tacoma.

I'll keep you guys posted on whats gonna happen with the Dak.

 

A taco? Might as well just buy a Prius it can do about the same haha

 

Reliability.

 

They still sink in the mud just the same lol

 

Well Ive Learned my lesson. Won't be taking a brand new truck in the mud. It'll be a pavement princess for the first few years Lol!

 

So I've decided that I'm dropping in another 3.9.

I was originally gonna drop in a 5.9 and 46RE behind it but after a closer look the guy "fibbed" about the mileage on his engines... He guessed the mileage was around 200,000k... turned out to be 268,000k... So I walked away from that.

My 42RE tranny would not downshift but I believe I'm on to something... It shifts like **** from 1-2 and will not always downshift from 2-1... I found myself starting in 2nd 90% of the time. Played around with the TV cable and it'll downshift but only if I come to a COMPLETE stop, rolling and it wont....

A few more tweeks of the TV cable and I think I should have it shifting decently.

For this other 3.9 I'm dropping in... It comes from a Dak with 150,000k for $200.

The guy did a v8 swap and he's been sitting on the v6 since.

For that price its a steal.

Just keeping you guys updated that I may not be out of a Dak yet!

This will be my first engine swap too.

 

Today I picked up a used 3.9 with 150,000 kms.... for $20.

Yup... $20.

Guy wanted $200 but he stored it outside wrapped in a vapour blanket and for some reason didn't store it with oil. I told him I wasn't gonna take it then he said take it for free... so I gave him $20 for helping me load it

I popped off both valve covers and both looked a little sludgy, but not rusty. I haven't taken the oil pan off yet but if its not all rusty inside I'm gonna proceed and try to get it started. Turns over fine, spark plugs werent too rusty.

Gonna run a lot of oil and cleaner through it to see if I can't get some of that gunk out.

Keep you guys posted.