1987 Dodge Dakota 5.9 swap with a NV3500

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I know this is a old post, but just wanted to add a couple pictures for future readers....

This is setting the engine in.
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Here you can see the spal fans that are sandwiched between the radiator and condenser
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No radiator in place yet, but an idea of clearance.
20210204_104544.jpg
 
Yea, I don't know if you want to do all that but I would consider a 2nd Gen core support and hood. Makes a whole lot more room between the radiator and fan. Coming along though!
 
Thanks, but I would really like to keep the early frontend... Also, this is the way the shelby dakota's were done.
 
Thanks, but I would really like to keep the early frontend... Also, this is the way the shelby dakota's were done.

Shelby had the engine set back further than the '91-96 V8 trucks. About an inch if I'm right. My Shelby is down to the frame right now so I can't get a measurement. But you should be able to make yours work with the Magnum serpentine setup and electric fans.
 
Shelby had the engine set back further than the '91-96 V8 trucks. About an inch if I'm right. My Shelby is down to the frame right now so I can't get a measurement. But you should be able to make yours work with the Magnum serpentine setup and electric fans.

I knew about the electric fans but I wasn't aware of the engine being set back. Shelby trucks must have the distributor plum smashed against the firewall huh? Or dang close to it I guess.
 
I knew about the electric fans but I wasn't aware of the engine being set back. Shelby trucks must have the distributor plum smashed against the firewall huh? Or dang close to it I guess.

Yea it's real close. I didn't notice until I tried running some old Mopar Performance Tri-Y headers on the Shelby. The passenger side hit the firewall. Then compared it to a '92 and my '96 and you could see the extra space behind the distributor on the later trucks.
 
Hey Rob
You probably already know this, but there is a site that shows all of the unique parts that were only used on the Shelby.
From memory I believe the cross member was different and moved the engine back.....
On another site a member put a 5.2 with serpentine in a 89 and it cleared the radiator.
Love to see pictures of your shelby
 
Hey Rob
You probably already know this, but there is a site that shows all of the unique parts that were only used on the Shelby.
From memory I believe the cross member was different and moved the engine back.....
On another site a member put a 5.2 with serpentine in a 89 and it cleared the radiator.
Love to see pictures of your shelby

I helped with the development of the Shelby-Dodge.com site and I'm part of the Shelby Dodge Auto Club. Shelby's team use a cut down crossmember from either a B-van or W-series truck (I haven't identified which yet) and regular truck mounts to put the 318 in them. Redrilled the frame for the transmission crossmember and moved it back.

Right now my Shelby is down to the frame. Cab mounts were rotted out. Got them fixed. Need to work on the cab next then set it back on the frame. This is what it looked like before I blew it apart. It's not going back together stock. It was somebody else's parts truck before I got it. It went 220K miles before becoming a parts truck. Will be setup for road racing when it's done.

Pass.jpg
 
Re-resurrecting a semi-dead thread; but just found it and wanted to add a few things I found when doing my own swap.
Details:
'88 Dakota RC/SB; originally a 2.2 5spd.
Carbed 5.9 w/LA V-belt front, mounted using factory 3.9 mounts and frame brackets and Durango oil pan.
The LA water pump nose is longer than the Mag pump, so radiator clearance in factory position is non-existent.
A custom radiator that tucks forward into the radiator yoke is an option, but pricey; pre-made radiators of an appropriate size have the cap buried under the top of the yoke making it inaccessible.
My solution: a swap meet '62 Corvette radiator, 25x19 overall, with correct inlet/outlet locations and tanks & core thick enough to cool the 5.9.
upload_2021-12-19_12-1-0.jpeg

Fits like a dream, tucks forward into the yoke nicely; and uses a cap/fill that mounts in the upper radiator hose, from a 2000 Durango.
th?id=OP.FScSuylFGaXBkg474C474&o=5&pid=21.jpg

Finalized installation will be in spring, but it looks like there will even be just enough room for a 14" mechanical fan, and/or about 3-3 1/2 inches of room in front for an electric pusher...
Will post pics if necessary once I can get at it in storage (Keep in mind I'm an old fart with a flip phone, so pics are a process... :) ).
 
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