3.6L V6 Engine Complete Assembly for 2018-2024 Ram 1500, Classic

A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right engine shows up:

• Check Your VIN's 8th Digit: Confirm it is 'G'.
• Verify Your Wheel Lug Pattern: Must have a 5-lug wheel pattern (DS Classic body style).
• Confirm the Absence of eTorque: Ensure the engine has a standard 12V alternator, not a large liquid-cooled 48V Motor Generator Unit (MGU).

What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:

Special tools this job needs:

• Camshaft Phaser Lock / Timing Chain Holder Tool (Mopar/Miller #10200A, #10202, or #10369A)
• Engine Lifting Brackets (Miller 10242)
• Fuel line disconnect tool
• Engine crane/hoist and load leveler
• Torque wrench / Torque-Angle Wrench
• OBD2 Scan tool with Chrysler/FCA diagnostic capabilities

Budget for these consumables at install:

• Engine Oil (5.9 quarts of API-certified full synthetic SAE 5W-20 meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specifications)
• Oil Filter (High-quality canister-style)
• Coolant (Mopar OAT 50/50 Pre-Diluted Coolant conforming to Chrysler specification MS.90032, purple color)
• Spark Plugs (Six pre-gapped iridium or platinum)
• Gaskets (Upper and lower intake manifold gaskets, exhaust manifold gaskets)
• Seals (Front and rear main seals recommended)
• Thermostat and housing
• Water Pump (highly advisable to replace while access is easy)

What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:

What’s involved: Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Relearn & Security Relearn

sources differ: Arm 1 states only a Cam/Crank variation relearn is needed if reusing the original ECU (no security programming required to start). Arm 2 states a security relearn is typically required to synchronize the PCM with the vehicle's security system (SKIM module) to prevent a no-start condition. A high-end bi-directional scan tool or dealer tool is required.

Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:

• Not a Free-Spin Engine (Interference Design): Never rotate the crankshaft or camshafts while timing chains are altered, loose, or removed to prevent valve-to-piston contact.
• Magnetic Synchronizing Wheels: Camshaft phaser magnetic timing wheels must never contact magnets, which destroys their ability to relay position and causes permanent timing codes (P0016-P0019).
• Oil Filter Adapter / Cooler Torque: Torque mounting bolts to exactly 12 Nm (106 in-lbs). Over-tightening will crack the plastic housing instantly.
• Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) Gaskets: Cylinder head gaskets require scratch-free surfaces; never use metal scrapers or abrasive pads on aluminum block or head surfaces.
• Torque-to-Yield (TTY) Bolts: Cylinder head bolts are TTY and MUST be replaced. Reusing them leads to head gasket failure.

Easy to get right once you know them:

• Confusing Classic (DS) vs. New Body Style (DT) Engines: Ordering this engine for a fifth-generation 2019-2024 Ram 1500 (DT body style, 6-lug wheels) which uses the eTorque mild-hybrid system.
• Mixing Incompatible Coolants: Adding HOAT (orange) or standard green coolant to the purple OAT system, which turns the coolant into a thick gel and clogs the system.
• Reusing Stretched Intake Gaskets or TTY Head Bolts.
• Failing to Prime the Oil System: Starting the engine without priming can cause dry starts, scoring camshaft journals and damaging rocker arm needle bearings.
• Ignoring the 'Pentastar Tick' and dismissing it as normal injector noise.
• Improper Lifting: Attempting to lift the engine with chains wrapped around the intake manifold or exhaust instead of designated lifting brackets.

Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every engine of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer: