First let me introduce myself as a new member of this forum. I currently have a 1998 Dodge 3500, 4x4 with a V10. Have only 42k on entire truck, was in military and gone all the time. Now since I've retired I want to convert this truck to a diesel. Has anyone done it and if so I need all the help I can get. Have the 47RE trans in it.

Again thanks for all your upcoming help,

Blackdually98

 

you've got a pretty good setup for the swap. If you can find a late 97 12 valve donor you'd be set, or a 24 valve donor truck. you've got the right trans, you'd need to swap inputs, and you'd need the correct electronics for the trans. the late 12 valves came with the 47re.

 

FastCR,

Thanks for the quick response. From what I've gathered the best option would be 12 valve engine not the 24 valve engine. You mentioned finding a late "97" model for the donor. Is there any other year that the 12 valve would work in or is it because of the 47re trans. Will I have to get the correct electronics for the trans if I use the "97" 12 valve? Will the wiring harness in the donor truck work for my truck? Like I said I'm new at this.

Thanks,

 

no prob, a lot of us are total forum ***** and on here all the time. The 12 valve is the common swap, but I thought I'd throw it out there that a 24 valve is a possability. Your trans limits your options because the 47re is a more electronic transmission. Someone should chime in with the cutoff year, but yeah it was only the really late 12 valves that came with the 47re. a standalone controller is also a possability but they are expensive. I honestly don't have a clue as to how the 12 valve 47re works, but it is out there.
for reference, 12 valve was from 94 to early 98, but I think it was only late 97 and 98 that had the 47re. A complete donor truck is definately the easiest way to go, but if you figured out how the 12 valve 47re's work, you could probably find just the parts you need in a junk yard.
The other thought is that if you want to go fast, your going to need a built automatic or switch to a manual. You could switch to a 47rh and you'd only need the OD and TC lockup controls. The stock trans doesn't hold up to much more than stock power.

 

Any update info on this swap? I'm planning to do the same with a 98 2500. I already have the donor truck, a 2006 TD 2500 with less than 25,000 miles. Was hoping you might have found out some info, thanks in advance.

 

i am currently in the process of coverting a 99 dodge ram 2500 that came with a v10, i have swapped it for a 05 commonrail 24 v 5.9L cummins, has anyone done this kind of swap?

 

I am thinking about upgrading to a diesel for my 1996 Dodge 3500, I have thought about finding a donor truck and just doing a body swap. Would this be a good idea?