Hey guys I’m planning on doing a diesel swap to my Dakota for better fuel and it’s just better in general. I have a 5.2 l in it right now. What do you guys think is a good swap for this for a reasonable prices

 

IMO, you went ineligible at "reasonable prices"

Best fit will be a 4BT. But you'll still be on the ragged edge of the suspension holding the weight.

 

4bt would work good but I believe you would also have to do a straight axle swap for the oil pan to fit.

 

Anything is possible with enough time, talent and most of all, MONEY. I don't think a Dakota is a viable candidate for anything beyond a diesel like the 4 poppers in early Scouts. If you want to put a Cummins out of a 3/4 ton, I don't think it will fit and the suspension won't be up to it. It you want fuel economy, swap the drivetrain out a 4 cylinder Dakota.

 

i was just watching that show car fix and there installing a 4bt in a dakota

 

One of the big car magazines did a 5.9 Cummins swap in a Jeep Wrangler. They had to build a dog house in the fire wall because the 5.9 is so long. I forget what magazine it was but it was about 10 years ago or so. I don't remember much detail, but I do remember them taking the tub off the frame and cutting it to go around the back of the engine. Only down fall any engine work required removing the tub Everytime.

 

Been running fine in mine for 25k miles. 25mpg.
NV4500
Patrick