88 Ram 50 4x4 engine swap

[zzion]

Hi All
My first post. I have a 88 ram 50 4x4 with a g54b engine.
The engine lacks power and gets hot. I need a larger radiator and engine.
What radiators will bolt in? What v6 engines will bolt to the 4x4 trans?
Thanks
Don

[camoit]

You can have a radiator built with 1 more core added but there is no V6 direct swap I believe.

[pennyman1]

The second gen trucks did have a 3.0 v6 option available, but they are fuel injected vs the g54b which is carbed. If you want to go that route, a motor and trans/transfer case from a montero with the wiring and computer could be swapped in. An easier way is to swap in either a starquest (starion/conquest) turbo g54b motor, or swap in a 4g63 from an eclispe. None of these options are easy or cheap - look through the threads and you can look at all these choices done by others to see if its worth it to you. These trucks are quite capable even in stock form if they are working properly - try going over the truck with a tuneup, do a compression check, check timing, cooling system, even the exhaust for restrictions. It will never run like a v8 in stock form, but it will have decent power for its size.

[zzion]

I think a new head "less jet valves" and a larger Radiator with an electric fan would solve it.
Any suggestions on a swappable radiator from the junkyard that will bolt up?

[zzion]

I've heard a 2.4l mightymax heaqd will work on my g54b 2.6l and would improve the power is that so?
What heads without jet valves will work on a G54b 2.6l?
zzion

[pennyman1]

See my response to your other thread about the heads - a Montero radiator from a v6 model will work - its bigger and has an extra row of tubes in it for extra cooling. There was a thread on here somewhere about the rad swap - it may be in the archives.

[77amc]

probably got the dreaded 2.6 CRACKed head..

How fast does it 'heat' up? 3-4min or like does it start climbing after about a min?

Is there water in the oil?

E

[crvtec90]

I've heard a 2.4l mightymax heaqd will work on my g54b 2.6l and would improve the power is that so?
What heads without jet valves will work on a G54b 2.6l?
zzion

the 2.4 is a timing belt and the 2.6 is a chain. I have a 2.6 non jet valve head from a caravan on my truck.