I recently bought a 1995 ram 2500 van with 5.2 engine. I see lots of engines online, but do not know if they will work for my application.
are there any major differences between a truck and van engine.

 

I don't believe there is. Maybe oil pan or exhaust manifolds, but those could be swapped. The basic engine should be the same.

 

Basically, any 5.2 from 92 to whenever they stopped making them will work, just put your intake, and other sensors on it. Exhaust manifolds as well, as your will have the EGR valve on it, and those disappeared in 96. Any engine from a van, truck, or dakota will work. (might need to change the oil pan, and pump pickup as well on some.)