Dakota V6 to V8 swap
Terry check those mounts good cause if I recall right Magnum blocks have extra mounts LA blocks don't have. Magnums can be used in pass cars cause they have the necessary car mounting ears but I don't think a LA can be used in a truck.
BTW: I bought a 93 Dakota brand new with the 5.2 and it ran super. With just a moper perf. computer, shorty headers, and a home made dual inlet air intake it ran 14.40's. That was with a 3.55 open diff. I'm sure it would have gone real low 14's with a sure-grip and some stickies. Pulled like a beast too. The only thing bad about it was I had to run 93 octane and the fuel mileage wasn't great. About 15 mpg max keeping my foot under control. So what I'm getting at is the 5.2 with the stock stroke will probably do fine for you.