I have a 99 Ram 4x4 with a 5.2l 318. My engine is on its last leg very high miles. A buddy of mine has a 5.9 from a 95 ram with 68k for a real good price. I am planning on upgrading my trans to a reman mega viper 46re. My question is what do I need to make this happen? I've been reading a lot but cant find a definite answer. Is it worth it? Do I need the ECU and the trans control module? Major wiring difference? Do I need the older style 46re to match the engine? Sorry if this has been posted I am new to this forum and to the dodge world. Always been a Chevy guy. Thanks in advanced for your help!

 

Welcome to DF.

You will need to use the intake off the 5.2 on the 5.9, the 5.2 pcm can be flashed to work with the 5.9 via an SCT tuner, wiring will stay the same nothing will be changed there. Use the ring gear off the 5.9 don't change it. The 5.2 injectors should be fine on the 5.9. You can use the 99 46re.

Ok before you buy this motor do a comp test and a mech oil psi test on it. This is a major must when buying a used motor.

Edit: redneck_ram did a 5.9 swap he has a thread on here somewhere it would offer you some help as well.

 

Awesome thanks a lot for your reply merc. Very useful info I thought I could swap the top end and I will def do a compression test and check oil press I really appreciate your help. Beautiful truck by the way.

 

Keep in mind, the 5.2 is internally balanced, and the 5.9 is external balance. There is some question on exactly what parts do the balancing, and thus, are NOT interchangeable. The harmonic balancer for sure has to be the 5.9 part, it's the flexplate, and torque converter that become the question.

 

Not a problem glad to be of help

Thanks for the comp on my truck.

You will like the 5.9 over the 5.2 and when you get the Sct tuner you will be even more elated with this swap.

Edit: If you could add your trucks info into your sig that would be great, it really helps with suggestions. Top left in the black bar you will see "user Cp" click on that and look through the list of opts on the left side of the page and go nuts filling stuff out adding photos.

 

Yeah the torque converter has weights welded to it for the 5.9. I am getting a trans and torque converter built for this swap. Going to send in my trans for core charges. Mine is acting up anyways might need the tv cable adjusted. I dont mess with the newer electronic transmissions you end up throwin tons of money at them only to find out it needs to be rebuilt anyways. Thanks for your help everyone glad I joined this forum. Seems like good smart people on here.
Also I plan on the sct tuner from huges they really raised the price but cant complain to have three custom tunes on it. A shop would charge twice that.