New Truck or New Engine

Why wouldn’t you put in a 6BT Cummins? Same no-electronics deal, better power, and it bolts right in

When the 360-1 in my Dodge finally gives up, its getting either a 413-3, 440-3, or I may see if I can graft in one of those medium duty diesel engines from an older Isuzu or Mitsubishi box truck from when they were close to all mechanical, and little to no electronics.

Unless you do the work yourself, you'll be puting more into the truck than it's worth, then you'll be married to it. Then the trans or rear end or AC or computer, or any other big ticket item could go out. If you really love that truck and want to hang onto it, find a Hemi with 100k miles or less for about $800, swap it in yourself. Then you wont be buried in it. Look at an 2009 -2010. They are much nicer trucks than the 2005's.

Well, I have to put about $1k into it (brakes, rear seal, some belts, oil chg., road test, compression test, checking/testing here and there, some other stuff I forgot, etc., etc.). But, he gave it 2 thumbs up for 'easily' 50,000+ more miles. OK - so, peace of mind and my decision can be delayed. (At 'that' juncture, however, the 6.4L Hemi with 8 spds. is starting to look pretty good.)

Thanks much for the comments, options and help!

JRscooby wrote:

patperry2766 wrote:
What about getting one from a junkyard? Lots of vehicles go because of body damage but a perfectly functional and low mile drive train.

If you like the truck and it wouldn't be too much of a PITA, you could look to swap out for a 6.4

Back in the day replacing a engine with newer or bigger was a piece of chicken. Now, with all the electronics might be smart to buy the complete wreck to be sure you have all the parts.

I did not replace mine I rebuilt it from the cam up. It is a 1996 Vortec so its 25 years old. We think the cam was warped but nothing we did diagnosed the problem so me and dad just went ahead and rebuilt it. The motor itself is all mechanics very technical mechanics but still mechanics. "Moving parts" Everything we took of the top of the motor was technical. Something newer I would agree that a more modern mechanic with the know how of all that stuff would have better luck. But I agree in the end if you like the truck it would be simply be penny's on the dollar from buying new. Also like in my earlier post depending on what you want it would come completely assembled and all you'd do is switch em out... JMHO

JRscooby wrote:


Back in the day replacing a engine with newer or bigger was a piece of chicken. Now, with all the electronics might be smart to buy the complete wreck to be sure you have all the parts.

That when you change to different engine.
When you are replacing the same short block and transfer all original modules, it is the same thing it was 30 years ago (with more wires).
That also avoids SCN coding newer vehicles require.

patperry2766 wrote:
What about getting one from a junkyard? Lots of vehicles go because of body damage but a perfectly functional and low mile drive train.

If you like the truck and it wouldn't be too much of a PITA, you could look to swap out for a 6.4

Back in the day replacing a engine with newer or bigger was a piece of chicken. Now, with all the electronics might be smart to buy the complete wreck to be sure you have all the parts.

^Thats a good idea, but IMO unless one is adept and doing the work themselves, junkyard engines are a considerable risk that you’ll be pulling it again soon.
Sure the junkyard will warranty it for a bit, but the second R&R begins to make it not so good of a deal.
Now a 6.4 would be kick @ss, but not as easy as it sounds with the ECM and other systems. Idk if everything bolts up either or not.

What about getting one from a junkyard? Lots of vehicles go because of body damage but a perfectly functional and low mile drive train.

If you like the truck and it wouldn't be too much of a PITA, you could look to swap out for a 6.4

IMO, it boils down to first, your finances. You mentioned the option of new or low mile used, so presumably you can afford to upgrade. Then it becomes a matter of the “want” for a new or much newer truck and the power and conveniences afforded by something 10-15 years newer. And the peace of mind that (while anything “can” breakdown) repairs and breakdowns will be of much less of a concern.

Next is the use. Are you looking for something to get you through the short term or will you realistically be doing the same thing for another 300k miles?

3rd gen Dodges are pretty solid trucks IMO. Had an 07 since 2008, until just recently and I didn’t “want” for anything. However the 2016 that replaced it has definite advantages.
If talking just gasser pickups, I don’t see any downsides to a newer truck from any of the big 3.

Cost for the 05?
Mopar crate long block $3500-4000
Install $1500 ish
How old is the trans? Nother $1000-1500
Front end/steering?
320k rear axle? Questionable
Engine components
Other stuff (fan radiator window switches shocks brakes etc)

Make an educated decision on how much other stuff is likely to need repair in say the next 100k. With your miles should have a good idea of the lifespan of the trucks components and what has been replaced when and how long it lasted the first or second time.
Add all that up plus the residual value of your 05 which will be better than most in your area due to no rust.
Then decide how much more a new truck costs vs what you could expect to sink into yours.