don't do it. the Magnum engine blocks ARE different than the LA engine blocks, even though they are the same size/displacement.

Magnum blocks have LA mount ears, so you can put a magnum engine into an old car.

LA blocks do not have the Magnum engine mount bosses, so you can NOT put an LA block into a vehicle designed for the Magnum.

if you want to do a V8 swap to your 98 Dakota, use all factory parts. get a 5.2l Magnum or 5.9l Magnum, the matching transmission, and a V8 engine computer and wire harness. total swap should take you about a day and a half if you have all the parts on hand.