Thinking about a V-8

[ratesheet]

Hey...everyone I am open to have you guys give me some input and opinions....I own a 1986 Dodge Ram 50....2.0 5sp....I have been toying with the idea of putting a V-8 into it...BUT...here is what I really do not want to do...HACK UP THE BODY, FLOOR PAN, ETC...that would probably be a deal breaker, I just don't want to carve it up...I want to find an engine/trans/differential set up that will bolt in with no alterations or modifications to the body, I'm ok with welding brackets and/or mounts but permanent changes to the body....I'd rather not...SO.....what brand motor/trans/diff would you guys recommend?...btw...I live in California so smog laws will have to be adhered to.....thanks

[74Dusted]

Mopar Small Block, 904 Torqueflite Transmission and an A-Body (65-72) 8.75" Rear are the easiest to fit in. A Body 8.75's are hard to find though, you can use a B Body 8.75 though, but it's a little wider than the A or stock D50 rear by 1.5" on each side (great if you wanna push the wheels and tires away from the frame to fit fat tires under her)

I've got a Mopar 273 / 727 in mine

[Rymar Garage]

I have heard the ford 8.8 rear end damn near bolts up. Havent found a good enough deal to try that out though lol. good luck, I have "test fitted" quite a many sbc with 700r4s and th350s and the amount of fab work turned me off as I didnt want to hack the truck up either.

[pennyman1]

don't forget about the Toyota truck rears. I keep looking at the Pentastar V6s as a 285+HP drop in but the tranny may be a deal breaker especially the 8 spd auto

[340D]

I have a small block mopar in mine, 1973 with a 727 and 9 in. ford rear.

[Rymar Garage]

^badass truck! How did that work with the steering gear and linkage?

[340D]

Notched the frame 1 in. and moved it over.