[Sadie66]

I have a 2003 Ram 1500 4x4 that needs a new engine. Going the used replacement route. I am not doing the work myself but I am trying to locate an engine. My question is, how difficult is it to swap my engine for one that came out of a rear wheel drive? I'd like to this is cleanly as possibly.

Thank you.

 

[chefred112]

like any typical engine swap...just try to use the same year if possible since 03's have slight differences than the newer years... are you talking swapping a 5.7 for a 5.7?

 

[Sadie66]

Yes. Just a replacement. 2003 5.7hemi

Thanks.

 

[GTyankee]

the 5.7 in the 2003 - 2005 are the same,

in 2006 the Ram 5.7 started using the MDS in the 1500 models

from 2006 - 2011 5.7 2500 & 3500 models never had MDS

so you could take a Generation 4 block out of a 2500 or 3500 model
put your complete intake manifold on the newer engine, as well as putting your sensors that are mounted on your engine, onto the new engine & drive it with no other changes

 

[snrusnak]

The 2wd and 4wd are likely the same. Sometimes they have different oil pans (You could always swap them). I haven't done this, so check into it, but usually that'd be the only thing different.

 

[HemiLonestar]

The 03 doesn't have EGR, 04-05 do. If you get an 03 engine, great. IF you get something newer, just remember to plug the EGR.