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Car Forum / Dodge / Dodge Trucks / March 2008

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95 RAM engine swap

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Krusty Baguette - 27 Mar 2008 15:23 GMT
I have to get and swap a used motor into a 1995 4WD RAM pickup. Seems
like I read that motors from 1993 to 1997 are same/compatible. My
local used parts yard wants to sell me a 2001 motor and says they're
all the same.

Is this true?
Will I have to do some cobbing to make it work?
Does anyone have any tips or tricks to make this job go easily?

Thanks

KrustyBaguette

Q: What's the difference between a computer salesman and a used car
salesman? A: A used car salesman knows when he's lying.
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Steve Lusardi - 27 Mar 2008 20:44 GMT
Maybe. Your query sends me the message that you are not a skilled mechanic.
Assuming that I am correct, do not attempt this on your own. There are many
pitfalls and you will find all of them unless you have done this several
times before. This is not inexpensive and could very easily exceed the total
value of the truck. The end result will only be a '95 Ram. Think about it
before you waste your money.
Steve

>I have to get and swap a used motor into a 1995 4WD RAM pickup. Seems like
>I read that motors from 1993 to 1997 are same/compatible. My local used
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> salesman? A: A used car salesman knows when he's lying.
> * TagZilla 0.066 * http://tagzilla.mozdev.org
Krusty Baguette - 28 Mar 2008 12:41 GMT
> Maybe. Your query sends me the message that you are not a skilled mechanic.
> Assuming that I am correct, do not attempt this on your own. There are many
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>
>> I have to get and swap a used motor into a 1995 4WD RAM pickup. Seems like

Nope, I've done lots of engine swaps over the years, and know all the
basics. I just haven't done a Dodge (that I can remember) and was
looking for any vehicle specific tricks of the trade.

Krusty Baguette typing from Podunk, MA
"Strip away the phony tinsel of Hollywood and you will find the real
tinsel underneath."
 Oscar Levant
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Steve Lusardi - 29 Mar 2008 13:10 GMT
OK, your call. I am an accomplished, very experienced mechanic. I swapped my
'96 Ram 1500 318 that had a broken crank snout with a 360 from 2001. The '01
was an automatic and the '96 was a 5 speed. Before I was done, it had cost
me $4,500 all in and I did all the work. There are a number of pitfalls.
Explain to the group your specifics and I'll see if I can add some tidbits.
Steve

>> Maybe. Your query sends me the message that you are not a skilled
>> mechanic. Assuming that I am correct, do not attempt this on your own.
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
>  Oscar Levant
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Ed Medlin - 30 Mar 2008 16:20 GMT
> OK, your call. I am an accomplished, very experienced mechanic. I swapped
> my '96 Ram 1500 318 that had a broken crank snout with a 360 from 2001.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> some tidbits.
> Steve

   Good advice. I have a '95 Magnum 4x4 that is in excellent condition with
about 175,000 miles on the 318 and I would go with a crate engine if it ever
shows any signs of giving up the ghost. There are a lot of issues to weigh
when it comes to an engine replacement. Tranny was done about 2000 miles ago
and rear end 10,000 ago. Right now, the engine is still running great with
no oil usage or power loss, so I have no idea how long it will go and I am
very big on maintainence. Since it is paid for and in good shape otherwise,
replacing the motor is a good option for me. If I were having other problems
I would not bother and just go new or low milage used. I have a spacer on
the intake, Mopar performance computer, K&N filter and cold air intake, MSD
ignition and real dual exhaust and get about 18mpg highway. The old beast
would be tough to get rid of.......:-).

Ed
nunya - 28 Mar 2008 13:29 GMT
>I have to get and swap a used motor into a 1995 4WD RAM pickup. Seems like
>I read that motors from 1993 to 1997 are same/compatible. My local used
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> KrustyBaguette

back when i was young, dumb and poor i swapped in several used engines from
the salvage yard.  every single one of them turned into a nightmare at some
point.  how many miles are on this "used" engine?  are they willing to
guarantee that it will work for a set number of miles or period of time?  if
you get it installed and it shows signs of being worn out can you get a
refund and will they reimburse you your labor?

one used motor i installed had a knocking rod.  they gave me a refund but i
was out the labor to install and remove it.  another used engine i bought
lasted about 60 days and came apart.  when i did the autopsy it looked like
it had about a million miles without an oil change.  what is the price
difference between this used engine and a reputable rebuilt motor or a
factory crate engine?

as far as engine swaps in this year range you shouldn't have any real issues
other than diagnosing the reasons you can't get the check engine light to go
away.  just make sure to have a code scanner handy after you get it up and
running.  you will probably have two or three codes to deal with.
michael
Krusty Baguette - 31 Mar 2008 01:40 GMT
>> I have to get and swap a used motor into a 1995 4WD RAM pickup. Seems like
>> I read that motors from 1993 to 1997 are same/compatible. My local used
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> the salvage yard.  every single one of them turned into a nightmare at some
> point.  how many miles are on this "used" engine?  are they willing to

The vehicle I'll be doing this on/to is a 5.9L with automatic
transmission. I'm doing the work for my cheapskate boss so I'm not at
financial risk, but at the same time I want to get it best.

The motor I'm most likely to get is from an '01 and has 90K miles on
it. The yard is asking for $750. Since the engine is already out of
the original vehicle is there anything I should look for externally?
For example will the exhaust match a '95's? Will ignition system be
identical or at least compatible? Will the starter from the '95 match
the '01? That's the kind of stuff I was hoping to get answers for.

> guarantee that it will work for a set number of miles or period of time?  if
> you get it installed and it shows signs of being worn out can you get a
> refund and will they reimburse you your labor?

I've traveled that road myself on my own car back in the 80's...a
Toyota Tercel wagon that never recovered from a blown head gasket on
the original motor. The two replacements worked but never were quite
right.
> when i did the autopsy it looked like
> it had about a million miles without an oil change.  what is the price

Since the engine is already out of the vehicle will the yard probably
have drained the oil? Would pulling the drain plug reveal any telltale
sludge deposits?

> difference between this used engine and a reputable rebuilt motor or a
> factory crate engine?

The difference between a used engine and a rebuilt/crate engine is
that my cheapskate boss would junk the truck before putting a $3000
motor in it. I suspect he just wants to keep it going for another year
or two.

> away.  just make sure to have a code scanner handy after you get it up and
> running.  you will probably have two or three codes to deal with.

Funny you should mention codes. This truck was in for cosmetic surgery
  with an old timer who does some work for the company. Once the body
was done and he took it in for an inspection sticker all sorts of
mechanical problems arose. He's swapped out two or three computers,
replaced the catalytic converter, which was plugged, and a made a
bunch of other attempts to get it running right over the winter. I
have to try to get this vehicle up and running satisfactorily without
hurting the old timer's feelings.

> michael

Well, tomorrow's probably the day I'll be heading off to the junkyard
to pick up the motor. I'll drop in an update when it's done.

Thanks to all for comments, suggestions. I'll check back after you
have a chance to digest all of the above.

KB

Q: What's the difference between a computer salesman and a used car
salesman? A: A used car salesman knows when he's lying.
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John Kunkel - 28 Mar 2008 19:57 GMT
>I have to get and swap a used motor into a 1995 4WD RAM pickup. Seems like
>I read that motors from 1993 to 1997 are same/compatible. My local used
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> Will I have to do some cobbing to make it work?
> Does anyone have any tips or tricks to make this job go easily?

It would help if you mentioned the engine size, all will interchange up to
'01 with the usual caveats about the possibility of having to change
induction, electrics, mounts, etc.

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