IMO, if you think you need to, then just have your 318 freshened up with new
rings and bearings. You'll probably want to get new heads as well since the
stock heads are prone to cracking. Other than that, unless you want to
modify it for more power, there really isn't that much of a benefit from
swapping in the 5.9L. As for your trans, once again, unless you are having
problems with it, just a normal fluid/filter change and band adjustment and
be on your way. These trucks are pretty reliable. Personally, I say keep
the truck and fix any problems it might have rather than buying new.
brian cropp
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-dakota-truck@bent.twistedbits.net
[mailto:owner-dakota-truck@bent.twistedbits.net] On Behalf Of Dan Jones
Sent: Saturday, August 29, 2009 8:14 PM
To: dakota-truck@dakota-truck.net
Subject: DML: 97 Dakota Engine and Trans swap
Hi all.
Long time (10yrs) board lurker here that has some questions about engine and
transmission swaps.
The main question I have and wanted to see is if anyone has any suggestions
on engine and transmission swaps done at the same time. Like combo setups
that people have done where both of the items mated together and have
operated successfully, or with the little kinks that get worked out.
My truck is a 97' 318v8 xcab auto 2wd w/AC that's approaching the 125k mark
with very little gone wrong (knocking on wood) and have started preparations
over the next 6 months or so at either looking for a new vehicle or rebuild
my current one, which I would love to do since it's my favorite truck of all
time.
So with that said, any pros or cons to swapping in new gear? Like longevity
differences as to just buying a new car vs the mileage you can get out of a
new swap?
Ideally I would like to look at getting a 360. Have there been any new
advances in aftermarket transmissions available that have a 5th/6th gear
verse the 4 gear stock auto that came in the trucks originally?
I'm researching the web and the archives about swaps people have done. Just
wanting to see if people have done both at the same time and had some good
luck on combination's and can list the manufacturers they went with or
suggest ones to look in to.
Thank you
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