Hey guys. I have already had some great experience with this forum and now have another question for you guys! I want to swap the 318 in my 1998 regular cab shortbox for a 24v 5.9 cummins. Where I am its roughly 18000 dollar average for a 2000 - 2002 ram 2500 so I figured an engine swap would be a little cheaper than 18 grand.

So I have googled it and some say its a direct drop in but I'm not to sure. I know I will be purchasing an engine, tranny and all the little things in between. Will I be needing heavier suspension? I did read that if you do the swap using 2500 or 3500 front springs is the way to go. Another thing is would it matter what year the 5.9 was? I mean the engine will be getting a nice working over and some nice power-adders.

Do you reccomend this or should I just muster up the 18000 and get a 2500?

 

It can and has been done. I have a read a few posts about it and there seems to be a million little details that can eat you up. Do your research before you begin, and have your ducks in a row. Also you would make things much easier on yourself if you used a 12v engine. Keep us posted on your progress.

 

Why do you reccomend the 12 valve? I'm assuming it due to wiring and just the simpler nature of the all mechanical contruction of it?

 

i recomend a 12 valve also. i will put it out there that i have no experience in this, but from what ive read thats more of a way to go. as you said its all mechanical construction. you will probably have to have a custom made driveshaft as they didnt put cummins in regular cab, short beds. the best thing to do is get a donor truck. because your gonna need a new front suspention, motor mounts, battery tray. little tid bits as mentioned above. best thing to do, find a donor truck and go from there

 

Well currently theres a running 2000 24V near me for 1500 so I think I might start with that and work around the engine itself