so I have a chance to trade my 99 dak for a 97 ram 1500 4x4 ext. cab short box. plus $4000 cash. the engine is worn out and the truck has 300,000+kms on it. I still havent decided if I'm gonna take it or not.

but I would like to get a 5.9 cummins and put it into it. I've done alot of motor swaps before and one of my buddys knows alot about diesels. he put a 3.9 cummins in an 88 jeep comanche. but anyways, how easy of a swap will it be? and can I put a 5 speed in it, or should I keep it auto?

I just thought I would research it a lil bit before I make the deal.

 

-----plus $4k in cash. I think that's all I would pay for a truck with that mileage to begin with, especially if the motor is already shot.

But on the conversion.....you'd spend a lot less time and money just finding a 2500 that already has the diesel. This isn't just a motor swap. Yo uare swapping EVERYTHING. Electronics, intake, exhaust, mounts, trans, wiring harness, electrical system. Besides the fact that the stock 1500 drivtrain ain't gonna handle the Cummins torque to well.

I'd look elsewhere brother.

 

ya I thought thats the answer I would get. and he is gonna give me his truck plus $4k. I usedto go to school with this guy and last year he wanted to buy my truck but I said no.but now I'm thinking of selling it.

my99 has 200,000kms and the a/c clutch is gone and it needs new O2 sensors to pass an etest.


I've always wanted a diesel. but I think it will be alot easier to just find a ram with one already in it. this is the perfect truck I've been looking for exept its not a diesel.

also, would it be easier to swap in an older style diesel instead. I'm gonna take a good look at it tomorrow and see what kind of shape its in.

 

Oh yeah! If you're gonna do it, you want one of the 12V Cummins. No electronic crap and there are TONS of power mods for.

That would be, BY FAR, the easiest route to go.

 

ya, I shoulda mentioned that in my first post. I want to put an 80's style 12V cummins in it. they are super easy to hook up all the wireing is pretty easy.and my friend knows alot about these motors. ad I could probly pick one up for a decentprice. I just love the sound and power of a diesel

do you think the suspension will handle it though. this truck also has a lift on it, I dont know what kind or how much. I have to look at it closer.

but thanks for all the info so far

 

You're going from about a 600 lb engine to an 1000-1100 lb chunk of iron. That's like throwing a plow on the front. You'll definitley need to beef up the suspension.

Seriously, I'd be looking for a 2500 with a CTD. It's gonna cost less than this swap. But hey, it's your money to play with.

 

That 1500 front suspension will probably last long enough to hit the first pothole or cross a set of railroad tracks one time, whichever happens first.. If that long. Save yourself some hassle. Get a 2500.