First i have a 1989 Dodge Dakota sport convertible with a factory 3.9 v6 la block.

Current issues: engine electrical harness needs replaced rewired or fix.


I want a v8 in my truck for SHOW, power, and to tow a trailer that has a car and or an 28 ft RV.




Will need a transmission with overdrive, and differ rear axle, trailer hitch, a/c, and cruise control.


The engines that I want are the following: 340, 360, ideal 426 hemi or 440.


Please quote the ranges of the engines, transimision, cruise control, a/c, trailer hitch, new head lights and electrical in the engine compartment and time frame.


I live in Port Charlotte. I volunteer at foster group home for 24 boys. They are going help paint and go car shows to show off there body work. With this truck I can take boys camping an mt biking.


Thank you for your time.
name witheld

 

I'm going to pass on doing the project, but have a few suggestions.
Do it in stages, so you don't go broke. If you do the paint/body work first,
it will encourage you to keep working on the vehicle if it looks good.
I'm not turning my car over to some no-name jerk. I want a company
that's been around a while.



1.You can get an engine as well as a transmission through Advance auto.
Overdrive trans may require a shorter drive shaft.


A shop that converts to 4WD can do a good install from v6 to engine of your choice.

I would get motor/transmission mounts if needed, from the dealer or 4wd shop.
There is a huge 4WD shop on HWY 60 in Brandon...North side of the street.



2.The Dodge dealer can supply a trailer hitch, or you look online for hitch companies.

Order for your particular vehicle. It will fit and installing will be intuitive.

Most hitch companies send instructions.



3.When engine is in, any a/c shop can order and install an a/c "kit" for your particular vehicle. Find a company in business for a long time.

They do lots of installs and will do it quickly and thoroughly.
In Tampa, that would be Mark's air conditioning.



4.Some 4WD or Jeep clubs can tell you where to get a wiring harness and maybe where to get your other listed parts. If I were building a wiring harness, I would use different color wire, run each wire one at a time and use new connectors....Either replace all plastic connectors or use individual male/female connectors and a proper crimping tool from Home Depot electrical. Kline makes a good one.
Not pliers, and not the "everything" tool.


....IF if I could not find a harness over the internet, the 4WD shop doing the engine/trans conversion may have idea on harness sources.


5.Hang out with some truck/jeep clubs, Go to meetings, get to be a regular and people will have sources and advice to make a smooth install.


Do it in stages, so you don't go broke. If you do the paint/body work first,
it will encourage you to keep working on the vehicle if it looks good.
I'm not turning my car over to some no-name jerk. I want a company
that's been around a while.

Good luck-Bob

Have a great day! bobfixesitup@yahoo.com 813-839-4281