Sounds like a pretty easy swap to me, did a similar thing with my Dakota (4cyl/manual to V6/manual), just a smaller scale, should be a basic bolt-in, the V10 fits in the V8 space, not sure what was broken/damaged under the hood, should be a fun truck after that.

 

The 1500 is a babied, 180K mile shorty standard cab. The other (rollover damaged) is a standard cab with a work bed. I would use the whole powertrain. The 9.25 is there already, and would get a LSD of some kind. I figure stiffer springs I the front (he plans to lower it) with drop spindles should be the order of the day. The 1500 is a Laramie SLT, an the other is plain jane.

 

Here is something to consider and think about. Yes, it is a fully heavier V10 chassis and all that, so the condition of the chassis itself may be something to consider. Are both trucks the same configuration, i.e., 2door, long bed, double cab, 4X4, etc.. If they are, swap bodies and have new 2500/3500 and enjoy it. If not, more work, is in order, but not impossible. The engine itself weighs in around 815 lbs compared to about 575lbs, so front suspension may need a little help, but not impossible. I truly don't see a problem with a good condition 1500 frame being able to handle the extra torque or 200lbs extra in it compared to the 2500/3500.

So, what are the configurations of the two trucks? Are they the same or a lot different?

 

I believe the V10 shares the Cummins bell housing pattern as well. And it's not just the torque output of the engine, it's also the weight. That thing doesn't weigh as much as the Cummins, but it's bit more than the V8 and more than the 1500 frontend wants to carry.

 

The V10 and Cummins were only available in the Ram 2500/3500 because their heavy-duty chassis dynamics were better suited to the higher torque output of these engines.
A 21-year old Ram 1500 chassis must be in fairly healthy condition to safely handle the V10 torque that it wasn't particularly designed for: (emphasis on 'safely').
The 47RH and 48RH transmissions were beefier than the 44RH/46RH transmission behind the 5.2L/5.9L. The 1500 drivetrain must also be in good condition to handle the extra torque. Does the 1500 already have a 9.25" rear axle? ATF+4 and synthetic hypoid lube changes may help component longevity.
Sure it can be done and it may be a blast to drive, but it should be done right (like you said, not cobbled or rigged).

 

We found it at a scrapyard. I will take you up that idea to offer for the whole thing. It was originally only available in the 2500 and 3500. We are just going for unique, but only if it is doable, like a factory option doable. Not cobbled.

 

What I'd do is put the sheet metal off the 1500 on the bigger truck, if the frame under that one's ok.
I just got a V-10 a few weeks ago and have driven 318s since '83. The difference is pretty amazing as far as low-end, but it's a couple orders of magnitude thirstier.

 

Is there a reason why? Is something wrong with the 318? That's a good workhorse engine; if it's mechanically sound, I personally wouldn't swap it.

Was the V10 even available in the 1500 when new? I thought it was optional starting with the 2500.

I'm also wondering if the owner of the rollover found your son. If he must have the engine, I agree with Dana; make a lower offer.

 

If that's the case, get the whole thing, chop the leftover up and take it to the scrap recycler. $1600 sounds a little expensive for a totaled vehicle, even with a V10.

 

Good info all. Lots to consider. I will update next week.

 

It would be a project. What is wrong with the 2500/3500 V10 donor truck that it can't be streetable? Is the donor truck the same year (pre-OBDII) as his?
He would want to purchase the entire donor truck to undertake a swap.
Also make sure that local DMV laws would allow titling/registration of a vehicle that is modified with a different equipment/emission certification than what the VIN says. It does vary by state/province.

Rollover wreck.

 

It would be a good swap, but remember, the engine does weigh about 175 lbs more. You would want everything possible, as in wiring harness, computer, trans (which should be the same length, but might have a larger yoke, not positive on that), but mounts should be the same. You would probably also want the radiator (that needs checked, not sure if it is larger or not), but overall should not be that difficult to swap. Having the whole truck would be beneficial to aid in all the different components, but I don't think it is all that bad a job.

 

It's been done - there was one featured in a Mopar magazine many years ago. They swapped a lot of stuff to make it work.

 

I wouldn't bother, personally, unless it's an SRT-10 motor, and even then you're making a vehicle that's more of a toy than anything else. The 8.0 is just a bigger 5.2. You get just about what you would expect from increasing the engine size and adding a pair of cylinders. You still won't beat even a fairly anemic diesel for torque output and the Cummins is not an anemic engine.

An SRT-10 swap would make a hell of a sleeper... but it's a pickup truck. You can only go so far with that, even with a literal race car engine under the hood.

Like IC said, you're going to want to buy the donor truck outright. I think you would be happier in the long and short run with a Cummins swap. The engine itself is exceptionally reliable, so you may be able to get a truck that has other issues (read: severe rot) and still expect a fairly good life out of the engine.

 

It would be a project. What is wrong with the 2500/3500 V10 donor truck that it can't be streetable? Is the donor truck the same year (pre-OBDII) as his?
He would want to purchase the entire donor truck to undertake a swap.
Also make sure that local DMV laws would allow titling/registration of a vehicle that is modified with a different equipment/emission certification than what the VIN says. It does vary by state/province.

 

Don't know about swapping but had one for towing the race car back around Y2K.

Effortless towing and I believe it had a 130 MPH speed limiter, highest I've ever seen.

Don't know if they all did, or if this one was broken, but it effortlessly "hauled the mail !! "

Thanks
Randy

 

Loser. If you must have more power think 392 Hemi, or trade for a Cummins truck.