2004 Dodge Dakota

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Racecarmom

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Hi, we have a 2004 Dodge Dakota 4 door, V6, automatic, 2 wd. The engine is bad and my grandson wants to put a V8 in it. We have a running 360 / automatic out of a 1979 Dodge Magnum. We also have a 5.9 that would need rebuilt. My husband thought instaling the motor and transmission out of the Magnum would be cheaper then rebuilding the 5.9. They want to go with a carb and keep the AC and power steering. What are your thoughts and what would they need?
 
I think there is a thread on this in the truck forum, there is a link on the bottom of the page for it.
 
Do the 5.9 Magnum, cut the fan shroud down to fit, enjoy!
 
I would use the 5.9L Magnum. A-body owners do that to get MPFI and OD transmission. The biggest problem with them is that the cast-iron heads crack, but there are after-market aluminum heads to avoid that. Be careful to get ones with bolt holes for the Magnum beer-keg intake manifold. I assume you verified that you can easily fit the V-8 into a V-6 car, since in A-bodies that isn't a direct swap. Does the existing transmission bolt to a V-8 and has same torque converter snout? The "toner ring" for spark triggering is probably on the flex-plate, so insure you change that. Some varied over the years, at least I found that true for my 2002 Chrysler 3.8L V-6.
DODGE Edelbrock 61779 Edelbrock Performer RPM Chrysler Magnum Cylinder Heads | Summit Racing
 
Yes, they're wanting to do it on a budget. I think he's got $1000, and then we have some parts.
The only thing that I found on the truck site was a 360 and a 1991, I think.
It looked like they were building a race car.
My husband wants to go with the 360 because it runs good, and we have it already.
 
You have a running 360?

This is a no brainer. Why are you even asking?!
Slam that puppy in there with the right flex plate and have a blast!!!!!
 
You will have to fabricate motor mounts to put the 360 out of the Dodge Magum in the Dakota, but it should be do-able. The 3.7 that is in the Dakota has mid mounted spool mounts, and the LA 360 out of the Magnum will just have ears on the block with no mid mount provisions. I don't know of any way you can make the 545RFE that's in the truck work with the 360, even though it will physically bolt up. I don't think there's an adapter flex plate made. Good luck with it, and hope it works out.
 
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