My truck had the swap. If you get either engine, and if your truck is a 95,
it should be easy, you will need a 1993 B-van Mopar Perormance computer.
You could use a 1993 stock van computer, but it will be hard to find. I
picked mine up for $225. The wiring harness connectors are the same for all
1992 to 1995 5.2L and 5.9L engines/vehicles. You will need to get a correct
5.9L flywheel for the 5-speed. And no, your ax-15 will probably not last
very long, and you will have very little traction because of the dramatic
difference in torque. I would personally get the one with 30,000 miles. when
I rebuilt my engine at around 75,000 miles, the old timing chain had a lot
of slop in it (about 10 degrees). You might need to buy a few new sensors
on the TB, there are different connectors on the 96+ Dakotas. You will also
need to buy a wiring harness for a pre-1995 V-8 Dakota. Good luck, e-mail me
off list if you have more questions.
Mark Kuzia
flyboy01@mediaone.net
http://people.mw.mediaone.net/flyboy01/home.html
1995 Dakota 13.79 @ 99.52 mph
360ci, 5-spd, 4.11 LS, Ram-air
----- Original Message -----
From: "Chris Hannon" <cannon@kansas.net>
To: <dakota-truck@buffnet.net>
Sent: Monday, August 14, 2000 5:38 PM
Subject: DML: new engine...hell yeah!!
> Hey guys, later this week I'm going to be purchasing a 360 to drop in my
> Dakota. The place I'm getting one from has a '96 with about 80,000 and a
> '98 with about 30,000. Both are the same price and they are a lift-out
> (comes with computer, harness, and all the goodies). I have a '95 so I'm
> wondering if I'll have any trouble dropping a new engine into my truck,
> i.e. emissions and that sort of stuff. I want it to be as easy as
> possible. What do you guys think? Should I go with the '98 or go with
> the '96? Or, should I just wait until I find a '95?
>
> As for the transmission, I'm planning on following Austin's lead and
> waiting until my AX-15 grenades. Of course, hopefully it won't!
>
> Later,
> Chris Hannon
> '95 Dakota Sport
>
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