[oldodge]

Has anyone attempted (succeded?) in stuffing a B or RB block into a second gen Dakota? Having pulled the 3.9 V6 from my 02 for a freshening, I'm familiar with underhood clearences, particularly the lack of head to firewall for even the V6 or LA 8's, let alone the RB collecting dust in the oily corner of my garage. Yea, I know a 5.2 or 5.9 can be made plenty strong, was looking to do something a little different. Whacha think guys, any ideas or opinions?

 

[MoparDanno]

Try here

www.dakotart.com

Head to the forums. There are 2-3 guys there with 440 based 97-04 Dakotas... It IS doable. I think Shumaker even makes mounts for the swap.

Danno

 

[dana44]

Plenty of room in there to make a 383/400/440 and a few in between fit in there. And yes, Schumacher does make motor mount conversion for them.

 

[oldodge]

Thanks fellas, I was surprised at the amount of info available after following the link "trail" provided by Dano. It's looking like a winter kind of mod, I'll post the successes along with the oops for those interested in following such foolishness! lol

 

[MoparDanno]

Thanks fellas, I was surprised at the amount of info available after following the link "trail" provided by Dano. It's looking like a winter kind of mod, I'll post the successes along with the oops for those interested in following such foolishness! lol

I go by Danno over there too. I am pretty well known, so if you need specific info hit me up and I will see if I can get it from one of the guys that did the swap.

 

[patrick_austin]

I'd like to see what a 440 could do in a little old Dakota

 

[dana44]

I imagine it would do as well as an A body 440, maybe even handle a little better, especially if it is a short bed Dakota, weight is about the same, aero is going to be the downfall, heavier coils in the front may be a good idea what with an extra 200 lbs being on the nose of the truck (but it may simply get it down where it belongs, too).

 

[patrick_austin]

I heard that the first Viper prototype used a Dakota front end. If it can handle a 10 cylinder it can handle a big block

 

[dana44]

This may be, but there are two different front end spring available if not mistaken. One for the 4cylinder and 3.9, another for the 5.2/5.9. I know a 440 weighs about 80 lbs more than a small block and the aluminum 484 is only slightly more than a 5.2/5.9, so as long as you have the V8 coil springs, shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Bob Lincoln]

And 4WD Dakotas, up to 2004, I think, had torsion bar front suspension.

 

[dana44]

No torsion bar suspension on the up to 1995 that I know about, mine is just coil springs, coil against the lower control arm, not the top control arm.

 

[valiant67]

No torsion bar suspension on the up to 1995 that I know about, mine is just coil springs, coil against the lower control arm, not the top control arm.

2WD = coils, 4WD = torsion bars. From 1987 to at least 2004.

 

[dana44]

Aaaaaa, 4WD, mine weren't, I stand halfway corrected! Thanks for teaching me something.

 

[valiant67]

Along the same line, through 2004:
2WD used the coils and rack and pinion steering.
4WD used the torsion bars and a recirculating ball steering box.
I don't know about the 2005+ Dakotas

 

[dak4x4]

2005+ have coil springs over shocks, rack and pinion for 4 wheel drive.