I had to put a water pump on the wife's R/T Durango today and realized how superior the GM engine design is over this one.

Since I have an LT1 in my Datsun and almost have an LM7 in my Toyota, I got to thinking-

How tough would it be to throw a Gen 3 6.0L V8 into the Gen 1 (1998 in my case) Durango?

Seems like the main thing would be an adapter from the motor to the tranny. I would retain the Dodge tranny and 4WD stuff. My truck has a large (12 bolt) open diff and a worn out tranny anyway so I was planning to mod the motor when I replaced the tranny and added a limited slip diff.

I know a lot of the little stuff I've run into on the Toyota would be easier since the truck came with a V8 and I'm not planning to swap the driveline.

 

Depends on how long your wife and be with out her truck!

It should physically fit in there. But the hardest part is getting the dodge electronic to inface with the GM stuff, ie gauges, antilockbrakes, etc...

Be cheaper to by a used Tahoe and go from there.

 

Not an issue... we have his-n-hers Durangos .

I like the Tahoes, but have a lot invested in the '98 Durango (AC repair, etc) and know it's history, plus it is a pain to try & sell it- this is why I kept it when she got her R/T.

Wiring & electronics are my strong suite, so this will not be an issue.

I have a history of not doing the "cheaper" thing, no matter how hard I try.

 

I think you would need to do a tranny swap as well. I dont think the dodge trany will work at all with the gm engine.

 

Advanced adapters may have an adpter for GM to dodge autos. But your still looking at lot of work. And you will have to invest another $3500 into forthe swap maybe more!