Been searching for answers and still need some help, or confirmation.
I have a 97 Dakota SLT ext-cab v-6 auto 4x4 with 272K on it. Half of the 3000k a year it travels is pulling a 3500 Lb camper. Motor is weak and on its last legs. have been looking and researching about replacing it or stepping up to a V8.
I have found a 5.2 for $400 or $500 with the PCM, harness and exhaust. Its from a 99 Ram reg cab 2WD.
Doubt the exhaust will swap, but parts may be usable.
PCM? The more I read the more confused I became as to whether it will work, I can get the stuff to add 2 injectors to the existing harness.
The dreaded transmission question. Any opinions about how well the trans will hold up to the extra 55HP/75FtLbs torque?
Anything else I need to consider?
Thanks for any and all info and help.
Darrin

 

The 5.2 itself will bolt in. The transmission, how long it lasts depends upon how you drive it. You could certainly leave it in until/if it fails.

The PCM, don't know. A Dakota is not a Ram. There are some differences and they also vary between the years. You would probably do better with a '97 5.2 pcm but if the PCM has 3 connectors it may work. You will need a harness.

 

I think you will need a pcm from a same year dakota not sure. As far as tranny it will hold up but towing a lot will for sure take it out. Heck even the 44re's that came behind the v8's werent that great.

 

Going the V8 route I have a lot of concerns with the transmission. It was a rebuild put in before I got the truck, and has worked fine, guess around 100K on it. when I dropped the pan and changed filter it was surprisingly clean.
Thinking I may just save some headache and nurse it along and find a full size extra cab truck.

 

I'm getting ready to do the same thing this summer, for the harness you just need to run the new wires for the 2 additional injectors and get a readout for the pin locations. As for the tranny I'm saving up for a 46re and have found them for around $1500.