ive got a 97 dakota with 2.5 5spd 2wd. Motor i shot. ive found a few used 2.5's various years out of jeeps.. i was wondering what would fit.. year range... im sure the jeep motor is the same but i didnt know if there was specific year range i should try to find. any help would be appreciated.. thanks

a few other options.. i have a 5.2 from a 98 durango with wiring harness and computer.. im sure, if i decided to go this route, ill have to change the trans correct? or maybe there is more to it.

Also have a 68 440 with auto trans....:)

one other.. 04 5.7 hemi with auto trans..

ill prob just stick with the 4 banger.. less head aches....

My opinion is just stick with the 4 cyl unless your looking for alot of unnecessary work or you want to make a toy out of it. If this is mainly intending to be a driver, make your life easier in the end with a swap for the same as you have.

thats the plan..

replace stock motor is the easiest option.

next easiest would be to drop in the 5.2/auto with the wire harness and PCM from the durango. that was a factory option, and will drop into the Dakota without major headache. and dont worry about the 8.25 that your truck probably has, lots of 5.2 autos came from the factory with the 8.25 axle.


beyond that...break out the torch, sawzall and welder, and drop that 440 in there! --it will fit. there's a handful of trucks that have had big blocks dropped into them.

I suggest keeping a 4 cylinder, go with a 4BT!

The trans from the 6BT is a bolt in with the factory 6BT trans adapter (found on the Cummins Dodges)

The front accessories also swap over.

Then you maintain great mileage, get killer torque, and fun power!

HAha HP. 4bt, that would be something!


ill stick with the 2.5 in this one i think. but youve got the wheels turning now...