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'93 Dodge Dakota and a 440?

14K views 12 replies 8 participants last post by  Pastor O. 
#1 ·
Has anyone put a Chrysler 440 in a Dodge Dakota? I just bought two '93's for $2,000.00. One is the LE model, short bed with extended cab, it is clean and will be my daily driver. The other one is the Sport, short bed, standard cab, it needs some work and I'm thinking of putting a Chrysler 440 in it. Has anyone done this on the forum and if so could you post a pic and the problems you had doing the swap? I have done several swaps in the past so this is not my first. I have to go get my 440 in another town (it is mine) so I have been unable to measure anything yet until I go after it in the next week or so. Thanks
 
#3 ·
killerformula said:
yep, I've seen a 500 wedge in one. It can be done, but expect to cut some metal out. YOu'll need some stiff springs in the front too, no big D. I think those folks fabbed their own mounts, too. I guess that goes without saying.

K
Yes Sir, I figured on cutting metal out. Will know more when I go get my 440. Mounts I can do, no problem. I'm planning on using a 727 tranny so I'll probably have to "reshape" the tranny tunnel. Thanks Killer!
 
#5 ·
I believe once I saw an s10 with a blown 454 in the back and a crappy stock 4popper in the front turning the front wheels, use the underpowered 4 for her, the "stupid noisy engine" for him, I guess.

If it were me, I'd just leave the 4banger in a cavalier or whatever. Not a bad idea trying to combine 4-cylinder economy with big-block power though, just 2 shifters, 2 clutches, and 2 throttle pedals I think would be really wierd.
 
#6 ·
ChevelleSS_LS6 said:
I believe once I saw an s10 with a blown 454 in the back and a crappy stock 4popper in the front turning the front wheels, use the underpowered 4 for her, the "stupid noisy engine" for him, I guess.

If it were me, I'd just leave the 4banger in a cavalier or whatever. Not a bad idea trying to combine 4-cylinder economy with big-block power though, just 2 shifters, 2 clutches, and 2 throttle pedals I think would be really wierd.
A stock S10 is REAR wheel drive? How did the 4 cylinder drive the FRONT wheels!?!?!
:confused:
 
#7 ·
That is a strange machine! Your dakota is a 4x4 correct? I'm guessing that the t case will have to be moved back a bit since the new motor and tranny are longer. This means a little more sheet metal cutting. You'll need to modify the driveshafts too to compensate the length change. I've seen plenty of s-10's and a few rangers with huge motors, but never a dakota! :spank:
 
#8 ·
broncoII88 said:
That is a strange machine! Your dakota is a 4x4 correct? I'm guessing that the t case will have to be moved back a bit since the new motor and tranny are longer. This means a little more sheet metal cutting. You'll need to modify the driveshafts too to compensate the length change. I've seen plenty of s-10's and a few rangers with huge motors, but never a dakota! :spank:
If you are talking the two '93's I (gcrmcc) bought last week niether are 4WD's. I didn't mention what they were. They are both 2WD's. Sorry for not putting the info in the first post.
 
#10 ·
Crazy Mopar Guy said:
A stock S10 is REAR wheel drive? How did the 4 cylinder drive the FRONT wheels!?!?!
:confused:
My only guess would be a driveline swap from a cav with some crazy fabrication of motor mounts. I swear I saw it in a mid 90s Super Chevy magazine. I think it was stupid to have a 4 in there, but the 8's not a bad idea.
 
#11 ·
I have done it

you have to do some cutting if you want to use some headers or make some. I used a set of headers from a 4x4 ramcharger but had to trim around the control arms also no cutting was needed to the trans tunnel, I used a motorplate for my mounts. you have to use a rear sumpp oil pan
 
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