Quick question. I have a 98 dakota frame under a 57 dodge truck body, also have a 98 2500 v10 truck laying about, frames rotted. Would the dakota frame hold up to the v10 magnum ? Not racing or anything just to mess around with.

 

As far as I understand you are trying to transfer it to another?

 

Yes, i want to put the v10, trans and rear out of the 2500 into the dakota frame. I know it wont be easy i just want to know if the dakota frame can handle it.

 

The Ram SRT10 was not produced until 2004. Your 98 was an engine swap in itself (and a mind-boggling one at that).

Being a coil-on-plug engine, it will not be electrically easy to move over. I'm not sure how they got it running in the 98, but you may have to consult with FAST about a standalone harness to drive the COP ignition while retaining period-correct gauges for the 57 cab.

 

After watching Roadkill if you have the time skill and money I say yes.

My two favorite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVs_xZ46Cxw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuHIemMF4kY

 

This is not the aluminum block engine. Its the iron block v10 from a 2500. Hence my concern. Its heavy.

 

http://www.allpar.com/mopar/V10.html

It is still a coil-on-plug/distirbutorless engine. So I still think you'd have a hard time getting it in without an external driver.

With that said however, I am willing to bet that you could move the Ram's PCM over with the engine (you may also have to bring over the cluster and find a way to make it fit the 57's dash) and be able to wire it up without too much trouble.

It uses 5 coils that simultaneously burns 2 cylinders at a time with the wasted spark method.

The engine is only 4" longer than a 360 and doesn't weigh much more.

Be aware that it uses a special oil pan design that may not clear the dakota front crossmember without a torch and welder.

 

Yeah bringing the cluster/wiring harness and stock ecu was the plan. The 57 has almost nothing in it, so ill probably bring all kinds of stuff from the 2500 truck over, like seats, brake booster, etc etc. Itll be an interesting project for sure.

 

in that case, go for it. The 4" length difference is negligible with how the trucks were originally set up. With the 57 body, you may have more room than the dakota had.

 

I wouldn't trust the Dakota frame to hold up to a V-10. Have you compared the thickness of it to the 2500? It's pretty thin.

Which part(s) of the 2500 frame is/are rotted? Can you graft the front end of it onto the Dakota rear half?