I have read tons of threads on this subject, but so far, none of them have given me a clear answer.
I currently have a 2001 1500 with the 3.9L V6 and the NV3500 manual transmission. I am wanting to swap in a 5.9L V8.

Will the transmission hold up with the additional power?

 

I am swapping in an nv3500 into my 99 ram on the downhill slope. I did lots of research prior to this and can tell you that people that have used the nv3500 say it will hold up fine. heard of lots of abuse and little failures due to it. however if you listen to the people who just look at the power ratings they will tell you they will not hold up. personally i don;t pound on my truck i use it for light hauling and am sick of the mpg robbing auto that has the worst reputation in the buisness. (earned or not reputation is there)

 

Thanks for the info! I am also one who doesn't thrash my truck and drive lead footed all the time, however, I do tow with my truck sometimes and didn't know if that could push the transmission over the edge. This project isn't a huge deal to me, but I had found a cheap 5.9 engine, and would like to buy it and swap it in if possible. But I'm still kind of on the fence about this swap, because I really don't want to throw a ton of money into it with a different tranny and all.

 

The nv3500 will be fine with the v8.

Factory v8 hAve the nv3500 are in the hafl ton trucks

 

Cool, that's exactly what I was wondering. I figured it had to be the NV3500 used, since if I am correct, all half tons used the same transmission regardless of engine size, but obviously a different one between the autos and manuals.

Ok, now I have another question. If I get the engine and all donor parts from a 5.9 automatic to use on my manual, can I straight swap everything? Or will I have to get different harnesses, PCM, etc?

Thanks for the replies!

 

If you currently have a v-8 in your truck, you can use the same PCM and harness as the original motor. If you have a six, need to score the harness from the v-8 donor as well.

You will need a flywheel for the 360. 318 unit won't work. Balanced differently.

One thing I would like to point out though, the NV3500 NEVER came behind a 5.9 from the factory.

 

true the 3/4 ton v8 5.9 got the nv4500

 

Wrong.

 

Really? Evidence Please? Or, do you just wander in, make a statement you don't back up, and leave?

 

hi i am needing some help with my truck i have a 2000 dakota sport 4x4 with 3.9 v6 it just took a dump on me i was wondering exactly what i would need to do to swap it out with a 5.2 or 5.9 and would it match up to my tranny? what would i need to perform this job any little help would be very much appreciated. thanks