Mercedes-Benz Swap: 1989 Dodge Dakota
I know…2 Dodge Dakotas in a row…stay with me. There is no hallowed ground in the world of automotive swaps, but there are some swaps that make you say “why?”. And this next one is a real head scratcher — not that putting an OM617 Mercedes diesel into a small pickup would make for a bad vehicle…it is just strange. It’s not like you are going to increase your towing capacity or beat the torque from a Magnum V8…but that flapper valve tipped exhaust stack certainly has some style. Find this 1989 Dodge Dakota diesel swap offered for $2000 in Cazenovia, NY via craigslist.
From the seller:
1989 dodge dakota
condition: good
cylinders: 5 cylinders
drive: rwd
fuel: diesel
paint color: brown
size: mid-size
title status: clean
transmission: automatic
type: truck
1989 Dakota diesel swap project truck. Southern body Mercedes 5 cyl turbo diesel/transmission transplant runs very well needs finishing wiring, interior and brakes. Has front drop spindles and lowering blocks in rear. $2000 please contact between 8am-8pm call or text show contact info
. I don’t need help selling this item. We will not respond to emails don’t waste your time or mind, there are too many scammers out there.
I like the swap may be worth it if there is not a ton of work left 2 do.
The OM617 is legendary, perhaps a better choice than a Cummins 4BT but the transmission it’s attached to is not. MB should’ve approached GM and asked to use their 700R4. Otherwise, this is an intriguing swap. I wonder if they retained the hydraulic motor mounts?