I'm swapping the engine in my 99 Ram 1500 5.2, is there any issues I should be aware of? This is not my first time installing a motor but it is on a Dodge and I've read my manual, I just have a few questions. Can I use the ECM on the new motor or do I install the one on my old motor? I'll be using the old plenum that I rebuilt with the Hughes plate and a new oil pump, any thing else?

Thank you
Dan

 

IF you are stuffing another 5.2 in there, just transfer all the sensors/manifolds from the old engine to the new one. Current PCM will work just fine.

 

if you are putting in a 5.2, then no. if you are putting in a 5.9, then yes AND:
1. The truck needs to match model year
2. The truck needs to match drive (4x2 for you)

 

Maybe it's just me, But I think a little more info is in order.

 

Thats zman's coy way of saying "Update your sig to contain veh info! ARG!" Haha

 

Wrong! LOL (he has some info in his profile) This time, I think more info about the swap, would be beneficial.

 

amen to that Zman

 

Sorry about the lack of info, I'm swapping a tired 5.2 with another stronger 5.2. I've never changed out a motor on a Dodge before so I was looking for any advice the manuals don't cover. The Haynes manual I have says you have to remove the tranny, is this true? I've always been able to remove the engine only in the past. Those damn motor mounts are huge so I can see why. If I don't need to remove the tranny what's the trick to getting things apart with those big mounts?

 

I have not pulled the engine on a Ram, but have pulled a lot of others. Sometimes it is easier to pull engine and trans together, but that often depends on how easy it is to clear radiator. It depends on whether you have a preference of trying to unbolt transmission in place, and of course stabbing them back together on installation. It is easier on the floor or bench to bolt engine and trans. If you leave tans and pull engine by itself, I suggest removing crank sensor to avoid damage to it.

 

its a good thing that you are staying with the 5.2, so you should keep your original PCM in the truck.

if the 5.2 is from a different year, you might have sensor or EGR differences on the intake manifold. particularly 1 vs 2 temp sensors on the front. the easiest solution is to swap your original intake over to the new engine, AND put on a hughes belly pan plate.

also consider putting on a new timing chain, front seal, water pump, and water pump bypass hose while the engine is out. if take about 10 minutes while the engine is out, or hours and hours later when its in.

also consider a new rear main seal. its a 2 piece that installs in the rear main cap. also consider a new oil pump.

inspect the freeze plugs. some last forever and others seem to rot out prematurely. O'reillys has a Sealed Power brass kit for about $12. they might have to order it. most are 1-5/8, a few are 1-1/4. heads are 1-1/4.

be very careful with the crank position sensor and its attached pigtail wire. its in a stupid position thats unsupported and very each to pinch the wire. if you pull engine only its probably best to remove the damn thing before the swap.

are you going to pull the trans with the engine or separate them? i'd think it would be easier to remove the grill and pull them both at once.