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2nd Gen Ram Tech1994-2001 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 1994 through 2001 Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.
5.2 will fit in place of 5.9. Swap the wiring harness over from your 1996 5.9 to the 5.2 and get a good 5.2PCM from a JY. Then check with your parts store to see which sensors need to be changed. IIRC the sensors are pretty much the same.
Unless of course you get the computer and wire harness that came with the 5.2 and simply install that into the truck. I find it's simpler to just leave the wire harnesses attached to the engines and unplug at the computer than it is to unplug everything at the motor.
I am thinking instead of changing wiring harness (a REAL PITA) I would contact Hemifever tuning to see if he could write a tune to utilize the existing PCM, change intake sensors as needed, etc. for a lot less work!
I just found the 5.2 with low miles out of a wrecked truck ! All the 96-97 5.9s have over 150,000 miles and i just don't want to spend money and time swapping a motor that might last 6 months !