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1996 Dakota 5.2
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Posted by: Cougarman

I just bought a 1996 Dakota Sport 5.2 4x4 5 speed. The truck does fine, but was woundering if I got a 5.9 and tried to put it in if it would fit. Like the tranny bolting up and if needed the intake. Any info would be great.

Posted by: Lynn

Every thing would work, just need the PCM that was with it or find another 5.9 with same options as the engine originally had or a MOPAR PCM For the 5.9L you are dropping in and every thing will be OK. WHEW what a run on sentance. Or if you are going with a Carb then not any extra needed. Best place to ask this question would be at http://www.dakotatrucks.com I think there is a decent knowledgebase there for Dakotas of any breed. B/RB blocks and all. Tell them Lynn senta ya.

Later,

Posted by: MadScientistMatt

The block on the 5.9 is essentially the same externally except the oil pans won't interchange. Of course, the 5.2 / 318 can be built for pretty decent horsepower even if it won't make 360 levels of torque - check out a Hot Rod "Junkyard Jewel" buildup where they squeezed 400 hp out of a 318 on a low budget! And the heads you have are even better than the ones they used in their buildup.

Posted by: bneaves

The PCM won't work as a 360 was not offered until 98, being a Gen 2 dakota it will easily fit. All hardware will bolt right up, but the PCM would have to be custom flashed for a 360. You can contact B&G Chrysler for this part.

Posted by: Lynn

Yep for anything pre 98 it will be carburated 360, after 98 (only engines I would tranfer are magnums anyway) then when you go to a wrecking yard and pull the engine then pull the PCM and harness to go with it.

Later,

Posted by: bneaves

The Magnum went TB in like 92, so it was fuel injected. But the electronics changed in 96 with OBD@ and the bodystyle change in 97 there were numerous electronics changes.

Posted by: kashturner318

I don't know what 360s in gen 2 dakotas you guys have seen but a friend of mine has a 94 ext cab 4x4 with a 360 and its fuel injection. My dad has a 97 dodge ram with a fuel injected 360. My question is are you all talking about the 360's in dakotas or in general being fuel injected?

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