Thanks for the reply everyone.

I just called a shop and they told me for a used engine with 75,000 miles it would be $3,500 or less. It would include a one year warranty and so he would have to replace some belts and hoses as well. I thought that was a little high.

 

Ask him if you can buy a used engine, and then send it to the shop so, they can install it for you.
I think the new used engine will has some kind of warranty on it (When you buy it).

Replace the timing belt on this engine at least.

It's up to you to decide. I don't want to help you more, and then ruin someone else business.

 

If you got the time call every shop in town, some junk yards will even do the swap super cheap right there on the spot, 3500 bucks is nuts for a 75k motor which is gonna need timing belt water pump kit, oil press, cam, crank sensors, cam seals, just to name a few right off the bat.

Now if all that comes with it + the 1 year warranty, not to shabby =)

Can you do the engine remove & install yourself or with help of a buddy?

 

I would be lost trying to pull out and put back an engine, plus I live in an apt so don't have the means. I ended up finding a motor with 42,000 miles for $300 and had it sent to a shop that was recommended by a coworker. I will probably end up under $2000 when its all said and done.

 

that's awesome 42k miles for 300 bucks ^^ Might as well do the water pump & timing belt kit w/ tension-er while the motor is out as it will be much easier on the ground or in the cherry picker, might be a good time for new dodge brand motor mounts too double check those while it's out =)

would be cool if the mech had ya help an watch/learn doing the install if that is any interest

 

Contact your insurance, you may be able to file a comp. claim for it due to the weather.

I had the same thing happen to mine and got the engine replaced and only had to pay my deductible.

Its worth looking into.