Engine year

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dart swanger

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I have an opportunity to purchase a two Ram trucks. One is a 2004 and the other is a 2006. Both have the Hemi. Which one should I consider buying for my Hemi swapped 69 dart?
 
I would check with the pickup forum. They seem to have different problems with different years. I have an 05 with 85,000 miles and no problems. Of course I take care of it. You never know what used has been through, especially if they were leased vehicles.
 
I would check with the pickup forum. They seem to have different problems with different years. I have an 05 with 85,000 miles and no problems. Of course I take care of it. You never know what used has been through, especially if they were leased vehicles.
I agree with Tony. I have an 05 Power Wagon with 283,000 miles. Bought it new and took care of it, with no issues.
 
Either is a good engine. Yes, earlier ones had some issues. With extreme lack of maintenance. The 06 will have one coil pack per cylinder. Versus a coil pack and plug wire per cylinder. A little cleaner up top. Otherwise, pretty much same engine.
 
Also, the '04 does not have MDS whereas they added MDS on the '06 models. You really don't need MDS on a hot rod, but it could be eliminated on the '06.

Another tid bit tough, if you can get the ECM and harness on the '04, it's pretty easy to use it in your hot rod with any tranny. The ECM on that model year was stand alone, not integrated in with the TCM as the '06 would be. (assuming both trucks are auto trans)
 
Ya both are auto. I want to use a modern trans. So if the 2004 tranny isn't integrated with the engine will a tuner like a flash PAC be worth it to buy? Might just throw a cam and exhaust at it to pep it up ( rebuilt stock suspension with a 8.25" diff with 3.55's). Not lookin for a track monster just a street rod.
 
I also have a buddy with 2006 Hemi 300 with a nag 1. The engine is blown so the 2006 Ram would be a good match for a complete drive train swap (sensors and modules all there). Oh the choice's...lol.
 
The Nag is stronger, but, more complicated to do. You would need a lot of components from the 300 to make it happen. Then there's the drive shaft to deal with. The 545 only needs the computer. Either trans will require floor/t-bar crossmember surgery. Go to Hotwireauto.com for the details on the Nag swap.
 
Was really thinking of purchasing all 3..lol. I can get all 3 for $2400. The 300 has everything I need except it has a blown engine. Figure I could mate the 2006 rams 5.7 to use with the 300 for my swap and part out the 2004's drive train for sale or save it for a future project. All in all I have a big decision to make.
 
Does the 04 have the 545? If so, the tail assembly can be bought new. The really cool part is the trans does not have to be completely disassembled. Unbolt the adapter for the 4wd, bolt on the new assembly. Comes with the shaft in it.
 
Yup 545. Thank god...something simple for once.
the 04 ECU has 3 control modules for body/engine,,and a standalone ^TCM for the 545 rfe,,the 06 PCM controls entire body and powertrain from 4 circuits built into the module,,the 06 ram pcm has drive by wire,the 03/04 ram has a cable
 
Figure everything I need for my swap is everything I can salvage from the 2004 Ram, engine mounts for the conversion and srt Jeep manifolds.... hopefully.
 
Figure everything I need for my swap is everything I can salvage from the 2004 Ram, engine mounts for the conversion and srt Jeep manifolds.... hopefully.
Are you using the torsion bars?
 
Hopefully yes.
the srt8 gr cherokee exhaust manifolds are nice,and I see them alot ,for sale on the Jeep FB pages,in great shape for $200-250. I have a custom set of stainless headers,in my jeep,I think the truck stock exhaust logs would work,if a guy really needed to use 'em,
 
So I bite the bullet and bought the 2004 Ram. Now on the hunt for a tail shaft for the tranny
I would search your area for a rear whl drive ram truck from 03-08,even tho' they are hard to find,when you do,they are usually cheap for parts,as 95% of trucks were 4x4's. Novak or even Chrysler may have it new as well,
 
On the SRT, I tried the easy/passenger side first. It will bolt to the head and fit the confines, but, the collector is twisted in such a way that the torsion bar can not be installed. Didn't even bother with the driver side. The 5.7 Grand Cherokee logs(2010-2011) DO fit. They can be had for about 250 bucks. If budget isn't an issue, TTI every time.
 
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