Hi Folks here I am again trying to work on my 97 Dak slt 4x4. My trans is faltering again so I think I need to just change it out. I can find lots of trannys from behind a 5.2 but need answers and so far none... Any help would be Great!! I have been told I can use the one from behind a 5.2 but out of what? A durango?

 

The Durango is built on a Dakota chassis, you'll need to use the torque converter from the 5.2 for your 3.9 swap, also check to make sure the donor has the same colour speedometer gear, if different use the gear from the transmission your replacing.

 

IIRC, a trans out of a 98 would be electronic, your 87 is not. Won’t be a straight bolt in swap.

 

I know I did try to change the header here but it would not let me edit it... As you see I am doing a 46RE in place of a 42RE a 97 Ram tranny into a 97 Dakota with a 3.9 in it..Should be a plug n Play from what I have been reading.. Sorry for the confusion... I did try to edit the whole thing but did state 97 in the text body...

 

 

Thank You .... Now to get some answers (~; I apologize again for the confusion ...

 

Thank You dakootie I was wondering about the linkage as well. I have read some war stories and still have some questions. I have tried to do as much research as I can because I want to have everything ready when I get it on the lift. I did look at the cables on Dodge site and all looks the same. The Durango trans will work then ... Well Hallelujah I needed a break on this thing for sure. I am so glad you spoke up I had someone else tell me to use the converter from the 42RE or the 3.9 . I thought I would do a service on the trans with it on the bench. Seals Governor and filter just to make sure it shifts like it should when I put it back in. Oh and adjust bands as well because it is easier with it out of the truck.. Is there anything else I should do for it that anyone can think of??

 

Donor needs to be 4x4 as well. I am not sure on the dakotas/durangos, but, on the full size trucks, the t-case shifter and linkage changed, as did where it mounts..... on the 97 and older, the t-case shifter mounted to the trans, 98 and up, it mounted to the body, and the mounting points on the trans disappeared..... so, verify where your t-case shift mounts before picking up another trans..... If your t-case shifter mounts to the body, then it just doesn't matter.

 

Closed thread since you started another.