I am considering swapping my gas guzzling 5.9 engine to a diesel in a 2002 1500 pickup, is it possible with the engine and trans mounts on a 1/2 ton with the 46re transmission? I know I would need a different transmission, from my initial research.

 

Possible? Yep. Expensive? Yep. Worth it just for gas mileage? Nope. Not really. For the amount of money you would spend, that would buy a LOT of gas.

You would need engine, trans, likely trans mounts, computer and wiring to run the diesel, different front springs, and a host of other little things. Probably cheaper and easier to trade in your truck, on a diesel version.

 

Depends on what engine you're planning to use. Assumingly Cummins, so it's kind of easy swap as it came from the factory. Older 12 valve is simple, it really doesn't need a computer to run. Although heater grid is run by PCM, in can be made to work with simple push button. And on warmer climates it's not even needed.
But as it was already stated, you need different transmission as the Cummins adapter plate has different bolt configuration than the 5.2/5.9 gassers, so you need the trans behind the Cummins or V10, preferably from Cummins. And even then it should be built, as it plain sucks in stock configuration.
Then there's radiator, intercooler, plumming to them etc. Not to mention front axle and related componenets, which will have hard time under that heavy a$$ Cummins. So if your only goal is to save money on fuel, don't bother, it will be expensive as HeyYou said.

 

I went from diesel to gas. The trans mount is the same. The engine mintsm are different but will got into the factory holders on the frame. Might need to either upgrade the Dana 44 or get a Dana 60 because diesels weigh more. It may not be needed as mine is already a 2500, so I can't say. My crossmember for the tranny worked. OutP the computer and engine harness for the diesel and it will be a plug and play.

 

No matter how you look at it this swap will cost you money. If you're planning on dropping a 5.9 Cummins in your Ram 1500 it will be a tight fit, I think. If you REALLY want to do a swap I'd start looking into swapping in a 4BT. The 16v version made about 300lb-ft of torque stock. That's a small power hit compared to the 360's power numbers... 335lb-feet or so.. that 35 loss probably isn't even noticeable...

I will warn you.. like everyone else said... it's will require money.. probably 5k... You will never get that money back because no one else will care about that engine swap as much as you would. So plan on keeping that truck until it turns to dust around you. If you really plan on doing this.. the best advice I can give you is find another 2nd gen with a blown motor/transmission for dirt cheap and use that is your starting point... do a swap on that truck since the motor and/or transmission will be toast. You'll still have your current truck to get you around in the meantime as well.