1998 dodge 1500 with 5.2l 318 swap?
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From: Eastside Tucson AZ
I just put a rebuilt Durango 5.2 in my 98. It was a direct, easy fit. (durango was also a 98.)
Probably you wouldn't even have to swap sensors or plenum. I'll say this about swapping into a Ram 1500, there's ample amounts of room no tight spots to try to work a fastener out, and if you remove the A/C condenser you can open up the front end making removal and installation a piece of cake.
Some things to do to the replacement engine before you install. Replace all the seals, valve cover gaskets, the rear and front mainseals, and the pan gasket. I used all Felpro. You will need to buy the o-ring for the distributor separately probably. Replace the transmission dipstick grommet. And do a normal tuneup--plugs, wires, cap and rotor. You may want to read up on plenum pan and make a decision about the Hughes replacement, a gasket, and new plenum bolts. I put an inexpensive set of Ebay sourced headers on too.
And of course, new motormounts.
Over the years, I've done lots of engine swaps--the 98 Ram 1500 was the easiest. Almost fun, even. Mine, after about a month and 500 or so miles is running like a swiss watch, no drips, and is a very clean thing of wonder.
Probably you wouldn't even have to swap sensors or plenum. I'll say this about swapping into a Ram 1500, there's ample amounts of room no tight spots to try to work a fastener out, and if you remove the A/C condenser you can open up the front end making removal and installation a piece of cake.
Some things to do to the replacement engine before you install. Replace all the seals, valve cover gaskets, the rear and front mainseals, and the pan gasket. I used all Felpro. You will need to buy the o-ring for the distributor separately probably. Replace the transmission dipstick grommet. And do a normal tuneup--plugs, wires, cap and rotor. You may want to read up on plenum pan and make a decision about the Hughes replacement, a gasket, and new plenum bolts. I put an inexpensive set of Ebay sourced headers on too.
And of course, new motormounts.
Over the years, I've done lots of engine swaps--the 98 Ram 1500 was the easiest. Almost fun, even. Mine, after about a month and 500 or so miles is running like a swiss watch, no drips, and is a very clean thing of wonder.
Last edited by Brian in Tucson; Oct 3, 2016 at 01:32 PM.
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From: Clayton MI
Brian has some VERY valid points. To add to that, think I would also consider doing at least the freeze plugs on the back of the motor, if not all of them. (they are cheap, and it is easy) They are notorious for rusting out, and leaking.
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Joined: May 2018
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From: Okanagan
I just put a rebuilt Durango 5.2 in my 98. It was a direct, easy fit. (durango was also a 98.)
Probably you wouldn't even have to swap sensors or plenum. I'll say this about swapping into a Ram 1500, there's ample amounts of room no tight spots to try to work a fastener out, and if you remove the A/C condenser you can open up the front end making removal and installation a piece of cake.
Some things to do to the replacement engine before you install. Replace all the seals, valve cover gaskets, the rear and front mainseals, and the pan gasket. I used all Felpro. You will need to buy the o-ring for the distributor separately probably. Replace the transmission dipstick grommet. And do a normal tuneup--plugs, wires, cap and rotor. You may want to read up on plenum pan and make a decision about the Hughes replacement, a gasket, and new plenum bolts. I put an inexpensive set of Ebay sourced headers on too.
And of course, new motormounts.
Over the years, I've done lots of engine swaps--the 98 Ram 1500 was the easiest. Almost fun, even. Mine, after about a month and 500 or so miles is running like a swiss watch, no drips, and is a very clean thing of wonder.
Probably you wouldn't even have to swap sensors or plenum. I'll say this about swapping into a Ram 1500, there's ample amounts of room no tight spots to try to work a fastener out, and if you remove the A/C condenser you can open up the front end making removal and installation a piece of cake.
Some things to do to the replacement engine before you install. Replace all the seals, valve cover gaskets, the rear and front mainseals, and the pan gasket. I used all Felpro. You will need to buy the o-ring for the distributor separately probably. Replace the transmission dipstick grommet. And do a normal tuneup--plugs, wires, cap and rotor. You may want to read up on plenum pan and make a decision about the Hughes replacement, a gasket, and new plenum bolts. I put an inexpensive set of Ebay sourced headers on too.
And of course, new motormounts.
Over the years, I've done lots of engine swaps--the 98 Ram 1500 was the easiest. Almost fun, even. Mine, after about a month and 500 or so miles is running like a swiss watch, no drips, and is a very clean thing of wonder.
Do you have anything else you'd suggest?
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Clayton MI
You won't be able to use the 99 trans, it is computer controlled, and your 95 computer won't have a clue.
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From: Okanagan
Hey! Thanks for that info! I'm not trying to make it sound like a bigger job than I have too, but I've been thinking that I will need to swap the computers and all sensors/wiring harnesses between the two. I've been experiencing some pretty wild issues prior to committing to the swap, and from what everyone has told me it sounds like my computer is shot to ****. Could you tell me, would I be looking at some intense work with swapping the computers and wiring? I have experience with remote starters, sound systems, replacing fuse boxes, but I've never had to screw around with a computer... (Let alone ever touched much of the wiring associated with it.) I'm hoping I can just swap the harness and computer with as little modification as possible.
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From: Clayton MI
I would tend to agree. Swapping harnesses can be a right pain in the keester.
