1998 Dakota 5.2 to a 5.9 why issues will I be fronted with?

 

Tune for the engine. (more cubes) That's it. Otherwise, it is a direct swap. Use the intake and such from the 5.2, so all the sensors will match up. (they are pretty much the same anyway, aside from the second temp sensor going away in 98.) Bolt right in, hook right up, and probably even run on the 5.2 tune..... will run lean in open loop though, which really isn't good for it. So, get yourself a tune, and enjoy.

Gotta use the flexplate/flywheel for the 5.9 though. 5.9 is external balance, 5.2 is internal. So, those parts won't swap.