Posted By: MN-ScatPack
2002 Durango motor swap? - 02/08/12 05:02 PM
I am looking at a 2002 Durango in really good condition with the exception of the motor. It has a 4.7l that needs work. Is it possible to swap the 4.7l for the 5.9l without changing to much stuff?
Posted By: GTXKen
Re: 2002 Durango motor swap? - 02/08/12 05:09 PM
Nope. Harness, computer, exhaust, if you want to do it make sure you find a complete 5.9 Durango to strip
Posted By: MN-ScatPack
Re: 2002 Durango motor swap? - 02/08/12 08:50 PM
So if I get a complete engine, will it be a direct swap with the trans, wiring harness, etc...?
Posted By: buildanother
Re: 2002 Durango motor swap? - 02/08/12 09:24 PM
And if you're on the lucky side, the 4.7 may have just tossed a rocker arm w/out ruining the cyl head. Somewhat common on 4.7 and 3.7 engines. If it's a matter of lower end problem, it may be worth fixing the orig 4.7. If you ever had a 4.7, you would probably like it.
Posted By: 73MagDuster
Re: 2002 Durango motor swap? - 02/08/12 09:28 PM
Trans is completely different, 4.7L used the 45RFE, 5.9 used 46RE. You need the entire powertrain, wiring, and controller to make it work. You are probably much farther ahead buying a used/reman 4.7L and simply swapping the engine.
The 4.7L will get you better MPG and combined with the deep first gear in the 45RFE you won't have any better performance. The only difference would be if you are towing the 5.9L is a little better because of the greater torque.
It's a little known fact that the 1st Gen Durango R/T's were one of the slower Durango models; they had no real boost in power and were saddled with AWD and the heavier 17" tires.
Posted By: MN-ScatPack
Re: 2002 Durango motor swap? - 02/09/12 12:53 AM
So would you have any issue buying a 2002 with a 4.7 vs. the 5.9? I did have a grand cherokee with the 4.7 and was ok with it. Same with the durango?
Posted By: 73MagDuster
Re: 2002 Durango motor swap? - 02/09/12 02:42 AM
I wouldn't, in fact I would prefer it. The Gen I Dingo with a 4.7L is a nice rig all around. A Gen II with a 4.7L is a different story.
Posted By: GTXKen
Re: 2002 Durango motor swap? - 02/09/12 03:56 PM
I liked my Gen I with the 5.2, very reliable motor. I have known several people who have had valve-train issues with the 4.7L in the Durango and Dakota
Posted By: 70Cuda383
Re: 2002 Durango motor swap? - 02/09/12 04:34 PM
the 5.2s and 5.9s are known to be good up to 200K miles, some even beyond.
I've had an 05 Durango 4.7 and had no problems at all in the 60K miles I put on it. bought it new and never had a problem. towed with it and it did fine too.
now I have an 04 Dakota with the 4.7, it's got 80K miles on it now, and haven't had any issues with it.
when it blows up, or gets valve train problems like everyone says they do, i'll post it up here, but I have a feeling the problems were only on the earlier 4.7s, (like the one in your ride now) where they had some PCV issues and the top ends would sludge up from water vapor. there was a fix that they did, I think in 03, which fixed the problem.
I've also heard that at some point, something inside the 4.7s changed, a tone ring on the crank or something, so you cannot take a later engine and put it into an earlier vehicle, without opening up the engine, removing the crank and changing the tone ring. I don't know the exact specifics, but I've heard of guys having that problem
Posted By: rhad
Re: 2002 Durango motor swap? - 02/10/12 09:30 PM
2001 and prior engines had a 16 tooth tone ring,2002 and later had a 32 tooth tone ring,have to remove the crank to change them