The engine in my friends '04 Durango SLT failed catastrophically recently. It has the 5.7L and is 4WD. My friend was given an '04 Ram 1500 with the 3.7L and 2WD. He has no mechanical ability himself so he asked for my help.

A bit of a background; we are stationed on Guam (13.424350, 144.732660) so parts and spare cars are not readily available and shipping costs are astronomical. Additionally, quality mechanics are not easily found for a reasonable price.

My question is can we swap the engines (remove the 5.7 and replace with the 3.7) and make it drivable?

Thank you in advance,

Jason

 

What exactly failed?

 

Why not drive the Ram? I would guess that the 3.7 liter is not an easy swap for the failed 5.7 liter Hemi.

 

As for the failure, all I know is there was lots screeching and knocking coming from the block area. He hasn't run it since he heard it.

For the Ram, the body and interior are shot and it will not pass inspection and is not currently registered.

 

Jason:
There were a number of the early 04 Hemi engines that died an early death for one reason or another.
The Gen 2 Durango was available with the 3.7 L V6 from the factory, but only in a 2WD version. It was for the most part grossly underpowered due to the Durangos 5000+ pounds.
It would be better and easier to find an 05 Durango Hemi or 05-06 Ram truck Hemi to go back in it. Since the 04 D did not have the cylinder shutdown system (MDS), you need to stay in those year ranges to avoid it.

Don