Ok I have a 2003 Dakota slt 2wd that has a awesome body on it that needs a motor and trans...now I have a 97 Dakota with the 5.2 v8 magnum with trans......now can I use the 5.2 for my 2003 if I use the pcm and harness for the 5.2 and if anyone knows change out the gauge cluster along with the wiring under the dash or would I just need the engine and trans harness??? Reason for the 5.2 swap is cause got the whole truck free with the 5.2

 

What engine is in the 03? If it's also a 5.2, couldn't imagine it would be that much trouble. If it's the 4.7, might be more involved. I can't remember what year the 4.7 came out.

 

Can it be done, yes.

What engine do you have now? The PCM will be an issue. No, you can't use your '97 PCM. It's not just the gauges it's EVERYTHING in the truck that would need to be rewired. The HVAC, Airbags, ABS, gauges, CTM, you name it, all use a different communications bus.

You could use a PCM for a 5.9. The fuel map would be off but that can be dealt with.

 

The 2003 was a 4.7

 

So to use the 5.2 pcm I would have to change out all the wiring both under the dash and engine bay ?
And what you I can use a 5.9 pcm ? For what year for the 5.9? And the engine I have on hand is a 5.2 from a 1997 I have the whole truck it rolled over so the body is not use able....

 

Think more along the lines of changing the wiring in the entire truck. A '97 is not even close to being wired the same as a 2003. None of the modules in the '03 will "talk" to the '97 PCM - none. Even the headlights in '03 are controlled by the CTM, not like your '97.

It's not worth trying to reuse the older PCM. Get one for an '03 5.9. They do exist.

But, the 4.7 is kind of like a lone wolf. If you had a 3.9 or the 5.9 and wanted to put in the 5.2, it would pretty much drop right in. You could even use the same transmission, if you were gentle with it (42RE).

But you can't use the transmission on your 4.7. You'll need a 44RE to go with the 5.2. You'd need to swap the underhood harnesses too. Again, there are big changes between the 4.7 and other engines - like the COP, etc.

There are other changes too with the accessories.

 

So what your say is if I got a pcm from a 2003 5.9 I can use the 1997 5.2 and trans in the 2003 and it would be a pretty much a drop in turn key ?

 

It will NOT be drop in turn key, not if you have a 4.7 in it. You'll still have a LOT of wiring to do. There are MAJOR differences between the 4.7 and 5.2, 3.9, and 5.9 physically.

 

Ok so basically I need to find a 2000-2004 4.7 to go back in it and to use the 2000-2002 4.7
Swapping out the tone ring on crankshaft and the one one the driver side camshaft.....or make the 5.2 a carburetor engine So no use of pcm...

 

You should be able to find an '03 up 4.7 easily and then not have to deal with swapping tone rings.

The PCM doesn't just run the fuel injection. It also runs the ignition timing, controls the alternator output, runs the fuel pump, drives the fuel gauge, and in '03 cycles the a/c compressor, etc. You can't just get rid of it and expect things to work.

I'd suggest you put a 4.7 back in.