I have started my new 2008 Dakota project.
Have been working up to what I think is the truck Dodge should have built.
3.9L common rail (ISB 170) Cummins 4X4 quad cab.
170hp and 400ft/lb of torque and with a litle tuning that can be improved upon.
Today the new NV4500 trans showed up and we got a lot of the truck stripped.
Rear box off, front sheet metal off and exhaust removed.
Also got the 3" lift installed on the cab to give me a little more hood clearance for the Cummins.
Should be lots of room on the sides of the engine but height will be an issue. The Cummins is very tall. I did not really want to do a suspension lift but will have to drop the front diff about 3" to get any oil pan clearance.
I am going to try and keep pictures on Flickr here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/75125279@N02/

BFN
Randy

 

YOU ARE CRAZY..... But I can't wait to see it all when you are done

tell us you are going to swap a solid axle in the front too >???

 

Very exciting! So pumped to hear someone is making a diesel Dak! Holy TORQUE

 

interesting!!!!!!!!

 

You sir, are a God. I've seen 4BT Rangers, earlier Dakotas, and S10s. But finally one I'm interested in. Any ideas on a computer or wiring that you will do? What kinda gauge cluster will you use, and will you reinforce the front suspension for that heavy beast?

 

Please let us know what you're doing with the front end, because dodge really screwed us on that. Also, are you putting stacks? That would be so badass. Also

PICS!

 

stacks lol its a small diesel! come on!

 

It's an 8v 4 cyl version of the 12v 5.9. Depending on which year, they are almost the same motor with less cylinders, like the 4.3v6 vs the 5.7 chebie. It's fully capable of having the same smoke stack worthiness as the cummins Ram, especially on a Dakota.

I personally don't like stacks :P but it's better than getting sooted to death by a tail pipe!

(disclaimer: don't get me wrong, i love big, mean, tall trucks. i know my roots!)

 

Man this is going to be sick!!

 

I can't get over all the rust I see on the frame and attachment areas.
How are you going to deal with the CAN-Buss with the transition?