OK first off I am not a newb I know how these forums work and work the search function pretty well. In doing so I am a little confused on one item and hate to beat a dead horse but I am just confused on this.

Bought a 2001 Dodge Ram. It has a bad 5.2 in it so I am gonna swap the engine out. I am going to go ahead and put a 5.9l in it. I know all the details on that part of the swap.

Here is the question that is mixing me up. I have found a complete 5.9 out of a 99 2500. My truck is a manual with the NV3500 and this engine is out of an automatic. Is it true all I have to do as far as mating the engine and tranny is add a pilot bearing?

It has the factory 360 flywheel, and balancer I will buy an ECU just confused on the mating of an engine out of an auto to a truck with a manual.

The posts on switch the trans out don't help me because I already have the manual setup and that is what is causing the confusion. Thanks in advance.

 

You should be able to use your old flywheel. The auto uses a flex-plate, doesn't have a clutch pack or retainer bolted to it.

 

cool


Second question: Will an ECU computer out of a like model year for a 5.9 work or does it have to be specific 4x4, manual trans etc. Found 2 on ebay on is for a 99, 5.9 4x4 and is $120 and another is out of a 2wd van but is the same model year and engine size.


Still searching as well.

 

Any info guys I know these things take time but I am going out of town tomorrow so I would have to buy the engine today and can't afford to spend the $500 for the wrong engine.

 

I'm not positive but I think you might need a comp out of a 5.9 w/ a stick. otherwise you may get a code.

 

That's what I was thinking on the computer. What about an engine that was designed for an automatic hooking up to a stick, should be able to just install a pilot bushing in crank because it is a magnum correct?

 

i dont think you can use a flywheel from a 5.2. the 5.2s are internally balanced and the 5.9s are externally balanced, If this is true, then you will need a counterweighted flywheel for the 5.9. the 5.2 flywheel wont have any counterweights.

 

Ok I looked online and a new flywheel is for the 5.9 is $83, part numbers are different but both the 5.2 and 5.9 flywheel have the same 143 teeth and same bolt pattern so that should be fine.

I just hope this auto 5.9 will accept the pilot bushing to become a manaul.

 

I belive the crank is the same for auto/stick. Just specify a pilot bearing for a 5.9, not 5.2.

 

You guys have been awsome, now that this hurdle is over once I get back from my duck hunting trip I will do all the proper introductions and probably a build thread.

Thanks again for all the help