3.9 to 318 swap in a truck sorta question

[5th_Ave_Sleeper]

I posted this same Q in the dakota forum as well, but this one tends to see more action
My buddy lost his oil pump in his 92-3 dokota 3.9L
He asked me if it would be posible to put a 318 in it. Of course I said "sure, piece of cake" before I really thought it through.
What are the motor mount differences between these two engines? tranny mount too?
I have a 79 318 2bbl / 727 combo we will use (if it will work)
Should we keep the OD tranny in the truck?(auto)
What about radiator capacities?
thanks for any help you can toss my way!
5th

[Doug Wilson]

They use the same mounts. From the motor mounts to the back of the tranny, everything is the same. Fan shroud and radiator mounting are different.

If the truck has a "tow package" you should be OK on the radiator - just have it rodded out.

The combo you have will work, but he'd be better off with the OD trans, unless it's just going to be a racer.

Keep us posted!

[Tarrbabe]

Okay, here I go again. Maybe I won't make a fool of myself. I am considering the change in my dak but mine has a 2.5. The change from 6 to 8 will add length to the area behind the motor mounts. The motor mounts are the same but the motor mount stands that bolt to the frame are different.
Local Dodge dealer said they cost about $180 to $190. Pass side is about $70 somthing and drivers side is over $100. I don't know if this is 100% but that is what I've dug up so far.
Okay, now someone make me wrong.

[Doug Wilson]

Get the mounts at a wrecking yard. You WILL need an improved cooling system.

[BILL THOMPSON]

I just swapped a customers truck from 3.9 to 318 but we bought engine computer + all from the same year it just bolted in no problem as for the 79 318 if the newer style mounts will bolt to it the swap should go off no problem as for the computer it could cause problems on the dash board front with speedo + the like.I have done older daks with carbs but the fuellies I ran the injection.

[Devilbrad]

The 79 motor WILL NOT bolt in without custom mounts. The Dakotas use different mounts in the middle of the block, where as the LA motors use mounts towards the front of the block. So the LA engines have no bosses or threaded holes to mount the Dakota/Magnum motor mounts. Everything else should work fine. Schumacher Creative has mount kits, but I think they are only for big block applications into the Dakotas. Check them out at www.engine-swaps.com

Brad