I have 1997 Dodge ram 1500 4x4,automatic and a 5.9.I've only had the truck for like 1 year ,so I don't know the history at all.The motor has 172k miles on is and is starting to give me problems.Anyways i was wondering if I should go with a crate motor or can I put a newer late model ram motor in.Hemi maybe?lol.I want more power ,but don't too start tearing stuff apart lol.Thanks

 

Welcome to DF! Moviong this to the 2nd gen Ram section. Be sure to read the plenum sticky.

 

Dropping in a hemi is a major undertaking. NOTHING is the same. One member had his project on-going for more than two years before he finally gave up, and sold it..... I am sure others have actually managed it, but, it is most certainly not going to be done in a weekend.

Best bet would be rebuild your 360, or, pick up another one, rebuild it, and then drop it in. (less down time that way.) There are a couple rebuild threads here, read thru those, see what ya think.