89 dakota 440 swap
 

just picked up an 89 dakota 2wd short bed regular cab truck. i managed to find one without any options, not even power steering. should make a good light track ride. i'll try to post up some pics of the progress i have made so far. it is down to the frame now. i am waiting on a couple suspension parts and am sanding the frame down and painting it now. hopefully she'll be up and running by the end of the summer.

anyone on here ever done this swap before?

i saw one at lebanon valley speedway in ny last year. i believe the guy did it without any major problems. he had to use an electric fan though and i think he cut out the inner fenders as well but im not sure you would have to.

A guy in Minn. did it a while back. It was tight but is doable. I think you will need to swap in some 1/2 or 3/4 ton D series springs in the front to help handle the weight.

i found a place that sells motor mounts. so that part is going to be a big relief to me. I am going to swap an 8.8 ford axle into the back, as thats the strongest one i can find in a junkyard that will fit. once it's up and running i am going to match the front suspension with a some moroso drag springs. i would like this thing to hook, so i am going to spend a lot of effort on the suspension once it is up and running.

www.engine-swaps.com has kits including headers to this swap if im not mistaken, please post some pics soon!!!

how is it turning out?

here is my 87 Dakota that i was going to put a 440 in , but going with a 418 SB.
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g2...1/P5240008.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g2...1/P5240007.jpg

that'll fly

that 87 looks bad man i want to do the same to a 92-96 dakota with a 383 or 400

I see you are building this to race, I have an 88 that i want to put a 383 in and run on the street but i was told that its illeagal now does any one know, im in va,