i haev a 2000 dodge ram 1500, 5.2 v8. i have a 5 inch suspension and a 3 inch body lift with 37 inch tires. i was wondering if anyone knew if it is possible to swap my gas motor with a diesel and what all would be involved. i know i`d have to chanege the tranny what else would i have to do.....?

 

Based upon previous conversations on this forum, it seems that the consensus would be for you to trade your truck for a diesel. It's not just the engine & drivetrain changes that are required but also suspension and electronics.

 

thats just i have all that money into liftin it i just want more power for offroadin.......iwouldn`t have to upgrade suspension cuz i ahve 1 ton shocks and stuff on it tahts how i did my lift i did it for a 2500 dies

 

you need at least 3/4 ton axles, suspension. you need a new computer, new fuel lines, new gas tank. 47rh or re transmission. trade the truck in for a diesel if your gonna do that. 1500's are not designed to handle that.

 

It's been done, but it is a serious endeavor. Go over to pavementsucks.com, and check out posts by superhawk2002. He did it.

Here is his truck:



[IMG]local://upfiles/9095/90325F344FDF48759268AC6449A6BA42.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/9095/1EBE9BF8541448EF92A2D817C0132DF2.jpg[/IMG]

 

The reason for the suspension upgrade is that the diesel engine is going to weigh a whole lot more than your 318. If I was you and you've the kinda money to spend for a gas to diesel swap, I'd look into a 408 stroker motor and performance transmission. Not sure what gears you're running, but changing them to 4.10 or greater will also give you a lot of extra torque for muddin.

 

i have stock gears how do i find a 410s? how do i know what kind of rear i got now? i know the front is a dana it says it right on it but what kind i don`t know.... and the abck i have no idea

 

also whats a good website to get gears?

 

your back is a chrysler 9.25 and the gears are 3.55. Running 37's id sugest you go up to 4.56's or 4.88's. That alone will give you the power your talking about. I run 33's on stock gears and noticed a big difference in power loss.

 

Randys Ring and Pinion seems to have a good rep with their prices and products.