I'm fixing to pay off my 01' ram reg cab 2wd with the 3.9L and im wondering what big improvements i could make as far as hp's and accel.... One of my buddys' said put the 5.9L in...but at what cost would that take as far as swapping out part? would i need a new trans.?engine mounts? what? I'm kinda lost here so if anyone has done this please give me some insight.But as far as other mods.... I'm thinking bout a...

2/4 drop (maybe the 3/5)
shaved door kit
Color matched Wiper cowl
JBA headers...
new seats
Roll pan
20" rims
and a custom box behind my seats

 

If you have the help and the skills id do a swap. Otherwise it be in your intrest to look for used truck that was what you want.

I can only tell you by what I have read about this topic to get a good engine and all the swap parts your going to look at 2-3k

That is not factoring in the trans. The engine is going to cost you the most cash and I'd assume you will need new engine mounts for sure.

With all the computer crap and sensors in the new trucks you have to have some skills to do this. I used to have skills awhile back but the thought of doing what you want to do scares me... lol But then again I have no lift and no help and the nearest auto zone in 6000 miles away. ( As I live in germany for the next year )

goodluck

 

thats easy go to your local salvage yard and get a used 360 and 45RFE. also check if they have regular cab 01 rams piled up some where, look in the engine bay and compare thats how i swaped my 318 for a 383. But ah 383 never came stock so i had to fabricate some stuff. you might want to take the drive shaft to so you know you will have a perfect bolt up.
Se7eN

 

I had a 96 dodge 2wd short box with the 3.9l in it, and as soon as the warranty was up I dropped in A high output 318 in. They had to weld new motor mounts in ,cut the fan shroud back Put in a new computer and wiring harness in and they thought they were done but not quite. I had a 5 spd transmision it bolted right up. They gave it back to me 3 weeks later ran good until gave it some gas. The exaust was to small. Had to put a complete exaust on it. The total cost for me was $4500 for the engine and the labour costs. And $1000 for a custom 2 1/2" dual exaust. After that it ran great.