So I got a 2000 Dakota 4x4 with a shot 5.9l but decent body interior ect. I also have a 95 1500 with a running 5.9l but trans and body are no good.
my question is could I swap the 95's engine into my 2000 Dakota without changing the harness or computer? Basically would most everything just be plug and play on the sensors and what not..

Just a side note. I know darn near anything is possible given the time, money and skill. I need a bit more of a specific answer to my question. I wouldn't call myself a mechanic but I have rebuilt a few engines over the years. I'm not stupid and have no real timeline to finish. But it's not worth it to me if it's going to be a overly pricey or extremely troublesome swap.

 

The engines are essentially the same, it's the intake, and some connectors that are different. Swap the Dak intake onto the donor motor, and also the flexplate, and it will be a direct bolt-in operation. The flexplate is important, as the 5.9 is externally balanced, and in 96, the location of the balance weights moved from the torque converter, to the flexplate.

While doing the engine R&R, be sure to remove the crank sensor BEFORE pulling the engine, and install it AFTER the engine is bolted to the trans. They are frequently victims of that particular operation, and they ain't cheap.

 

Okay so dak flexplate and intake onto donor. So do I also need to swap the torque converter with the engine from donor truck? Or do I keep the original dak torque converter?
Thanks for your help by the way

 

Keep the original Dak converter. It is neutral balance. The one on the 95 truck is not.