Hemi Swap Write-Up 2005 Dodge Dakota 2WD 3.7V6 Club Cab



First things first, Research! Make sure this is really something you want to do, and make sure you have an understanding of the cost and work involved...

I will say this swap is not insanely difficult, as long as you have someone (or you yourself) that can weld,fab, read wiring diagrams/pinouts, or is experienced in this kind of thing (Like I did)

Get in contact with people that have done this swap already, and ask questions.




Parts needed-

-5.7 Hemi Truck Engine (2006-2008) and ALL ACCESSORIES (I used a 2006 5.7 Hemi from a 2006 Ram 2500 non MDS)


-545rfe trans
- 2006-2008 Hemi PCM
-Hemi wiring Harness

-1 piece Aluminum Driveshaft from a 2005+ 4.7 2WD Dakota



As far as the motor goes, I found one cheap that needed rebuilt, so I built it myself, my build list



-Custom cam and PAC spring/retainer/pushrod kit

-3000 stall Edge Racing converter

-Trans-Go Shift Kit

-Custom tune

-Custom 2.5" dual exhaust



/////MOUNTING/////



As far as mounting the drivetrain, it was not bad at all, we simply fabricated hot rod motor mounts and they actually mount to the stock V6 perches perfectly, for the trans we fabbed a custom mounting plate that utilizes the stock v6 trans mount.

BE SURE TO MEASURE DRIVELINE LOCATION BEFORE REMOVING THE V6! (try to get as close to stock placement as possible... we were dead on)



4.7 Driveshaft works perfect


/////COOLING/////



the v6 Radiator works fine so far with a 180* T-stat, but you will want an Aux. Trans cooler

Stock v6 clutch fan works great with the Hemi, just trim the shroud.

You will have to make custom radiator hoses with couplers and stock hoses

OEM 5.7 Heater Hoses worked for me



/////EXHAUST/////



I tried multiple header styles and they would not clear the steering shaft on the drivers side

I had to use stock 5.7 Ram manifolds



Fully custom exhaust



////FUEL////



The stock v6 Fuel pump is fine

The 5.7 fuel line just needs spliced to the Dakotas fuel line, and clamped. easy.



////INTAKE////



Stock 3.7 Airbox worked great



////WIRING////



This is where each one differs depending on 4x4 or 2WD, the year of Hemi, and the year of Dakota

Most of the 5.7 Harness worked fine, we ended up re pinning a few PCM connections (~18) and that will be a case by case basis. You need access to pinouts and diagrams (IE AllData/Pro Demand) I also bought a Factory Service Manual PDF Download off Ebay for $15

The PCM will need to have SKIM disabled and be VIN flashed to MATCH THE DAKOTA VIN!!!

www.hotwireauto.com helped me with this

 

Links to parts

Mounts

http://www.how-to-build-hotrods.com/...or-mounts.html

PCM

www.hotwireauto.com

Exhaust

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Unive...SABEgLpOPD_BwE

Most other parts were found on www.Ebay.com (driveshaft)

Coolant Hose couplings

https://www.summitracing.com/search/...ector-fittings

 

Hand built 5.7 with Greene Racing Cam (BBK headers would not fit in the truck ....)
Hemi in the hole
Drivers side hotrod mount

Finished product

 

Custom driveshaft loop
Some of the exhaust, im no welder, but it holds!
Waiting
Doing the swap
Hemi swap completed

 

 

Stay tuned to that channel come racing season... it will be at the track with drag radials

 

That's gonna be quite the sleeper. The engine looks like it belongs in there. Although, how is it vibration-wise with the solid motor mounts?

 

Awesome job!!!! Good write up also. Unlike mine, where things went in every direction.

 

thanks! Vibration isn’t bad at all, you can feel it, but there are still rubber bushings inside the mount if you look close.

 

Thanks! You did a swap too?!