So I bought a rolled 03 with 50k on it and everything is going into my 97. Engine transmission transfer case etc. I have been looking around online to see if anyone has done this yet a lot of people talk about it but I haven't seen anyone actually start it. The modifications I am for seeing is tranny cross member. Rear and front axles needing to be cut to length and have the ends swapped. Power steering may present a problem as well. the main reason I am doing this is because My truck has 212k on it and I don't trust my tranny as far as I could throw it. I picked up the donor for a grand. All input is welcome unless you are going to tell me not to do it or that the 360 is better etc. Not trying to be rude I just am asking for help with the swap not peoples opinions why it shouldn't can't or will be difficult to do. Thanks guys I am thinking about doing a build thread. Let me know what you think.

 

A ton of custom fabbing will be required, thats the extent of my knowledge about it.

 

wow that is a great idea you get more horse power than a stock 360 and alot of extra mpg.

 

So Its been Awhile but here is where I'm at I have everything pulled from the donor truck. I will be using the dash from the 03 for ease of electrical sake. My rear drive shaft is the same spline I have yet to see if I will need it cut. trans mounts will work. Motor mounts will need to be fabricated and I still need to find a stinking TCU for the 545RFE to work. I will throw up some photos hopefully this week end. If anyone knows where I can get a decent price on a TCU I would very much appreciate it.

For the money 99 I agree I'm probably going to be into this a grand when all the spare parts are sold. which reminds me if anyone needs anything off either truck let me Know I may have it.

 

Wow this is cool, someone is actually doing this. Definitely post pics!

 

Yank the full harnesses from the 03, and put them in your truck. Didn't the 03 come with all that? Should be able to swap it over... Gonna be doing the dash harness anyway.. You might be better off taking ALL the electrical from the 03, and transferring it over.

 

Stuck on fitting the dash has anyone retro fit a Gen 3 dash into our trucks?

 

just a thought...is it possible to just swap the bodies? use the 03 frame, and drive parts just swap bodies?

 

i hope you did a couple of hot smoky burnouts before you tore apart the 03!

 

The frame has been scraped and I think a body swap would have been really expensive. I would have done some burnouts except the rear drive shaft was kinked like a garden hose and all four wheels where missing.

Here are some Pictures Donor vehicle 2003 Ram 1500 SXT 5.7L Hemi 345CI 4X4


Recipient Vehicle 1997 Ram 1500 SLT 5.9L 360CI 4X4



Easier when you cut fenders and side supports off with a torch



Ready to be unhooked



Dash took me three days to find two mystery bolts to get it free



Almost Free



Why use a hoist when there is a forklift next door



Out and waiting on the 360 being pulled