i have a 1999 dodge ram 1500 4x4 club cab, 214,000 miles. it has a nv3500 5 speed. 3.55 gearing, it had a 5.2 v8 but i did a 5.9 r/t 360 engine swap with 73k from a 2003 dodge durango r/t. i want a cummins for fuel economy, i dont tow, and like the 98-01 rams but can't afford a 16 or 24 valve 2500 cummins, my truck is paid for so i want to drop in a 3.9l 4cyl 4bt cummins in mine. and sell my 5.9 360 is it possible to just drop it in and drive pretty much or is there a lot more involved? i found a 4bt cummins with 5,000 hours on it and a spare set of all new gaskets for $1,700 on craigslist so I am curious if this can be done?

 

It is possible.... but, I don't know if it will bolt to your trans, and I don't think the NV3500 would last long behind the torque of a diesel...... they weren't the best to begin with.

In any event, it is NOT going to be just a simple swap....... That will be a project. The 1700 for the engine will just be the beginning of the expense, and you might be farther ahead by selling the truck, adding the 1700 to whatever you get for it, and seeing if you can find an oil burner in your price range.