Engine Complete Assembly for 2014-2024 Ram 1500, Classic

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

• Confirm that the 8th digit of your vehicle's VIN is 'T'.
• Identify your transmission type (rotary dial on dashboard for 8-speed vs. traditional column/console shifter for 6-speed) to determine if you need to swap the crankshaft pilot sleeve.
• Confirm whether your truck is 2WD or 4WD to verify oil pan clearances and differential mounting brackets.
• Look for the engine sales code 'EZH' on your vehicle's build sheet or service records.

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

Special tools this job needs:

• Heavy-duty engine hoist and load leveler
• Fuel line quick-disconnect tool set
• Chrysler-specific harmonic balancer puller
• High-quality torque wrench set
• Crankshaft pilot bearing puller/slide hammer
• Professional-grade diagnostic scan tool (wiTECH, AlfaOBD, or equivalent)

Budget for these consumables at install:

• 7.0 quarts of SAE 5W-20 Full Synthetic Oil (meeting Chrysler MS-6395)
• High-quality spin-on oil filter (Mopar or Wix recommended)
• Mopar-approved OAT (Organic Additive Technology) 50/50 Pre-Mixed Coolant
• 16 new OEM-spec Iridium spark plugs (gapped to 0.043 inches)
• New intake manifold gaskets
• Upgraded multi-layer steel (MLS) exhaust manifold gaskets
• Grade 8 exhaust manifold bolts or upgraded stainless steel studs
• New water pump gasket and thermostat housing gasket
• New OEM-spec thermostat
• Front and rear main seals (highly recommended)

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

What’s involved: Crankshaft Position (CKP) / Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Relearn

A crankshaft position sensor relearn is required so the PCM can learn the exact physical relationship between the new crankshaft tone ring and the camshaft sensor. While a dealer tool like wiTECH can perform this, many high-end professional aftermarket scan tools (such as AlfaOBD or Appcar DiagFCA) can also complete the procedure. No immobilizer or security re-marriage is typically required as long as you reuse your original PCM.

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

• The Crankshaft Pilot Sleeve Trap (6-Speed vs. 8-Speed): The rear flange of the crankshaft uses different pilot sleeves/bushings depending on whether the truck has a 6-speed (65RFE) or 8-speed (8HP70) automatic transmission. You must pull the existing pilot bushing and install the correct sleeve (Mopar Part #4736283AA for the 8-speed) to avoid destroying the transmission's front oil pump and torque converter.
• Pre-Install Bolt Extraction: Inspect the cylinder heads on an engine stand for broken exhaust manifold bolts before lowering the engine into the truck.
• Fragile MDS Solenoid Connectors: The wiring connectors for the four MDS solenoids under the intake manifold become extremely brittle from engine heat and snap easily.
• Sensor and Harness Swap: You must swap your original engine wiring harness and key sensors (knock sensors, oil temperature/pressure sensors, and emissions hoses) onto the replacement engine.
• Ground Straps: Pay close attention to the location and condition of all engine and chassis ground straps to prevent electronic issues.
• Oil Priming: It is critical to prime the oiling system before the first start-up to ensure internal components are lubricated.

Easy to get right once you know them:

• Reusing Warped Exhaust Manifolds: Bolting warped cast iron manifolds back onto the replacement engine will put massive shear stress on new bolts, causing them to snap again. Manifolds should be machined flat or replaced.
• Using the Wrong Oil Viscosity: Using oil thicker than SAE 5W-20 will cause the MDS solenoids to fail to operate, trigger a P1521 code, and starve the lifter needle bearings of oil.
• Forcing the Bellhousing Bolts: Using the bellhousing bolts to pull the engine and transmission together when they do not slide flush easily will crack the transmission pump housing.
• Ignoring the 'Hemi Tick': Assuming a ticking noise is normal injector noise or a minor exhaust leak when it is actually the first warning sign of a failing lifter.
• Failing to Swap Key Sensors: Assuming all sensors on the donor engine are correct for your specific vehicle instead of swapping your original sensors over.

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: