Thanks all for your input!

Originally Posted By HotRodDave
The only feasable way is to find a wrecked 01 02 durango with the desired drivetrain. It will bolt up to the trans despite what others have said but it will not work it. The ECU controls the trans on the 5.9 while the 4.7 has a seperate TCU. Motor mounts are different, wiring harness, exhaust... many other things. If your donor computer or the recepiant rig have security you will need the BCM from the donor, that is one reason you can't use a dakota for a donor. If neither has a security system then you only have to modify the harness up front for the lighting, no idea why dodge thought the dak and dur needed different light wiring but they did so the harness is not a direct swap. A 2000 will not work as the complete under hood harness and the interior and BCM were changed with the updated interior in 2001. 2003 may or may not work depending on if you have a 3 plug or 4 plug ECU (you will need a 3 plug for an 01 and they seem to have done both through 2003).

The 5.7 may easier but you need to hook up a DBW throttle sensor and a 5.7 computer as the tooth count on your early 4.7 is wrrong for the 5.7 and you will need to swap the BCM to match whatever computer you use.

I curently own 6 durangos, have owned and worked on many, many more and have contemplated many swap posibilities but unless you keep the same engine family any swap is a PITB. Since nice 5.9 durangos are still cheap an plentifull I would sell the 4.7 rig put a few more bucks with it and just buy a 5.9 durango. If you decide you need a 5.7 durango at least find a blown up 2003 4.7 example so you can potentially leave the computers in it.


Dave -- I own 3 Durangos, myself...the 4.7 being the oddball out. My other two are a 99 4x4 5.9 and an 02 R/T. I was hoping to get away with swapping a 5.9 into the 4.7, but from the looks of it, I guess I'll be finding a 4.7 for it or selling it as is.

Funny thing is, I paid less for the two 5.9 rigs together than I did for the 4.7 one.

Thanks much for your input -- much appreciated. Makes my decision much easier.