Dodge Dakota V6 flywheel on a LA

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68383GTS

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Will a 88 Dodge Dakota V6 flywheel work on a LA 318. I want to bolt a 1973 318 up to my Dakota V6 5 speed.

20200922_073822.jpg
 
3.9 and 318 are both internally balanced. You should be good to go, just make sure the 318 crank is drilled for a pilot bushing/input shaft clearance.
Edit: As long as you're not using the computer controls on the 318. That flywheel only has 6 pickups for the crank sensor. If you're carbing it, you're good.
 
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Will a 88 Dodge Dakota V6 flywheel work on a LA 318. I want to bolt a 1973 318 up to my Dakota V6 5 speed.

View attachment 1715602858

I believe the 3.9 flywheel will bolt up just fine to the 318. However if you're going to time the 318 off the flywheel you will have to get a 318 flywheel or 5.2. 6 vs 8 on the timing.
If you're going to run a distributor with its own advance and not worried about the computer controlling the timing you'll be fine.
 
Yep, works fine, I needed one for the kids carbed 318 in his 70 duster, went to the pick and pull and grabbed one from a 3.9 dakota, just machined and put it together! Been in there three years now.
 
it will work, I did a 340 swap in a 91 Dakota , no problems
except 1st gear was a waste of time, lol
 
I did this backwards.... I put a 5.2 (318) flywheel on a 3.9 in my 87 dakota so I could use a NV3500 transmission..... On another site, I have seen others do exactly what you are doing, and it worked. But keep in mind the NV2500 trans, is weak.

A little off base, but with a 87-90 dakota, your biggest problem is going to get the motor to clear the radiator. In short, I believe there are 3 ways.....
1. As Shelby did with the 89 shelby dakota's, make a special crossmember and move the motor, trans back. Then use pusher electric fans in front of the radiator.
2. Use a magnum serpentine belt system, along with pusher fans..... This is what I am doing on mine.
3. Swap out the front end for a 91-96.... Dodge moved the radiator about 4 in forward to provide clearance.
Below is a picture of a 3.9, and the factory radiator. Figure the V8 will add 4.5 in. to the length of the V6....

overall picture with 3.9.jpeg


clearance from pulley to radiator.jpeg
 
Wanted to add, if you want any info on what I posted above, let me know, and I can send additional pictures, and links to others.
 
I did this backwards.... I put a 5.2 (318) flywheel on a 3.9 in my 87 dakota so I could use a NV3500 transmission..... On another site, I have seen others do exactly what you are doing, and it worked. But keep in mind the NV2500 trans, is weak.

A little off base, but with a 87-90 dakota, your biggest problem is going to get the motor to clear the radiator. In short, I believe there are 3 ways.....
1. As Shelby did with the 89 shelby dakota's, make a special crossmember and move the motor, trans back. Then use pusher electric fans in front of the radiator.
2. Use a magnum serpentine belt system, along with pusher fans..... This is what I am doing on mine.
3. Swap out the front end for a 91-96.... Dodge moved the radiator about 4 in forward to provide clearance.
Below is a picture of a 3.9, and the factory radiator. Figure the V8 will add 4.5 in. to the length of the V6....

View attachment 1715603734

View attachment 1715603735


What did you use for motor mounts?
 
I am using a magnum motor and it bolts directly to the factory 87 dakota V6 mounts
 
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