Hey, Folks. I’m making this post hoping there are still plenty of people out there that still use these forums and can help me out. I’ve got a 1999 dakota with a 3.9l paired with a AX-15 5 speed rwd transmission. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the truck and it is immaculate. I love this truck. I really want to put drop a v8 in it tho. Along with dropping a v8 in it i really want to keep it a manual AND rwd… What v8 engines are out there that will mount directly to my current transmission?(if any). I’ve looked into it so much and am just stumped on where to go from here. If there are not any, I am also open to putting a whole new engine AND transmission in in that will keep it a rwd manual. I was just hoping to not have to do to much custom work to make an oddball transmission and engine work in it.

Thanks in advance!!
-Jaxon

 

5.2 or 5.9 magnum engines will drop right in, bolt right up. (with the correct oil pan, etc.) The 5.9 is probably a bit hefty for the transmissions peace of mind though. So, keep that in mind. Best part is, you run the wires for the two additional injectors, flash the PCM for the V-8, or, get a V-8 pcm.... and you are down the road.

Moving this to second gen dak section for ya. Welcome to DF!

 

Thank you very much!!

 

There, now you've gotten a push. The main thing to look for on an engine, I'd go with the 5.2 to let the transmission live longer, is the rear of the crankshaft needs to be machined for a pilot bearing and shaft, A lot of engines for automatics don't have the extra machining done. Back in the 1960's and 70's, when manual transmissions were fairly common, a lot of cranks got that as a matter of course. Now, with manual transmissions being so rare, the manufacturers don't spend the money for machining.

 

Isnt the 5.9 engine externally balanced vs the internally balanced 5.2?

 

Yep. On a manual trans, it's less of any issue. Just gotta get the correct year flywheel.