hello everyone i have a 97 dakota 2wd 5.2 can anyone tell mw if the tranny that is originally in the truck is the only one that can go back in.some ppl have said that i can use one from a full size dodge pickup same year engine and also the durango same engine.thanks for any input.

The trans for a 3.9 5.2 and 5.9 are the same in the dakotas, there should be no reason it wont work. I have a 97 2wd dakota with a 5.p

It's kinda funny that you joined in 2009 but are still a "new member". Must be a technicality.

thanks for the reply 97dakota r/t

just wandering wouldn't the torque converter be a different size for 3.9 and 5.9

The trannies are different between the 3.9 and the 5.2/5.9 motors. The 3.9 had the 42RE behind them. The 5.2/5.9 (R/T and non-R/T) had the 46RE. The 4.7 had the 45RFE. You should be able to put any 46RE behind the 5.2 that you have. I'd look for one out of a 2500 w/5.9L gas motor as they had some better internal parts over the units for the Dakotas, Durangos and 1500 trucks (at least that is what I have heard).

Torque convertors are different too.