damn guys, were talking about trucks here, vehicles that are made to tow and haul chit
the 318 can hold its own while pulling, mine pulls a jeep just fine

 

I agree with maroon monster

 

Blocks are not identical. Very similar, but not identical. 360 has bigger main bearings. always has.

 

is there any significant difference in fuel economy between the two? i've heard that the 5.9 is a pretty bad gas hog.

 

Its a V-8, in a big truck. Fuel economy isn't really a primary consideration. My guess would be that the numbers are going to work out fairly close in any event. Sure, the 360 is a bigger motor, therefore, should use more gas, but, it doesn't have to work as hard as the 318 to move that huge hunk of iron down the road....... So, prolly pretty close.

 

one is internaly balenced and one is external ? who care there both mopar

 

i believe the 318 has got enough guts to surprise you but i wouldn't tow more than 5 or 6k with mine lol

 

I am pulling my 7800# John Deere 2020 with a front loader and gannon on a 2200# trailer up a 4-5% grade with my 98 1500 QC 318. I don't know which transmission model but it's the auto w/ OD. It has the factory tow package with the transmission cooler. I was told my truck is totally stock with the original drivetrain. I've been tugging 6k-10k loads all over the SoAz mountains for the 3 years I've owned it. As long as I turn the OD off, it doesn't even work up a sweat. But I've heard from other Dodge owners that their trucks struggle pretty hard with a 6000# load. I wonder if the "death flash" might also affect performance. I also am getting far better mileage than my nephew and friend at work who have 97 models the exact same as mine.