2004 Dak 4x4 engine swap

Kim...if you're going to swap in a small block, use a Magnum instead of an LA. Magnum motors have the mid mount motor mounts like the 4.7, so that would make the swap easier....especially if you could find a set of motor mounts for a 98-99 Dakota with a 5.2. As bad as I hate to say it, you can just about stand back and throw a 5.3 LS motor in a Dakota. Easy swap, and they fit nicely. Might be a little harder on a 4 x 4 Dakota though. Good luck with it.