Hello new to the forum and looking for some advice and information. i unfortunately have to do an engine swap on my 2002 dodge ram 2500. i have been searching all over for information on what i need to do and i have found almost everything i need besides the easiest way to get clearance from the cowl of the fire wall. i have read to take the head off, to take the valve cover and the #5 and #6 rockers and push rod assemblies. I have also heard that i would need to raise the cab to get clearance. If i raise the cab how can i raise it without taking off even more parts that i feel aren't necessary. But i have seen a couple of videos of guys pulling the engine out with the valve cover on and the oil pan. i figured the oil pan would need removed just for some clearance. I would love advice and guidance from anyone.Thank you in advance!!

I've never pulled a Cummins out of a 2nd gen but found it is easier to get a Cummins out of the 3rd gen by completely removing the mounts from both sides of the engine so minimal lift is needed until clear of cowl. After clear of cowl you will need to lift the engine for oil pan clearance. I've been known to remove the oil pan and oil pump pick up tube in chassis so engine removal is much easier.

Just did this in 2017 for my 2001 ETH because of a block 53. I was really tight on lift chains

I'm not too much help unfortunately...I haven't had the pleasure of pulling out the motor yet.  But I do have a 3" body lift and can agree that much more room has been created since.  Valve cover comes off super easy...even the push rods come out with ease.  So I see how raising the cab would help.

 

Hit YouTube and watch a few videos...I always do that before I attempt something I've never done before.  And most things I have done to the truck are things I've never done before...?

On 1/26/2019 at 1:29 PM, Bullet said:

Hit YouTube and watch a few videos...I always do that before I attempt something I've never done before.  And most things I have done to the truck are things I've never done before...?

 

You can always ask the questions here and people are more than willing to help. We do have a fairly good article database full of all kinds of information and support for the Cummins engines. 

 

On 1/26/2019 at 1:29 PM, Bullet said:

Valve cover comes off super easy...even the push rods come out with ease.  So I see how raising the cab would help.

 

LOL. When I was doing ARP studs on the head I was trying to figure out how to get the exhaust side by the cowl inserted in the head. I used a 2x6 and a floor jack and just lifted the body just a little bit and the stud fell in its holes like its meant to. The factory body rubber mounts tend to well squeeze together over time. 

Yeah I definitely didn't do the body lift to make valve cover access easier but it sure did work out that way.  It has saved me hours of work when access to the valve cover innards is required.  Also moves a lot of heat away from the firewall, more room to jerk the tranny and more room for the twins install.  It might also be a big help when it comes time to pull the Cummins for a refresh...just can't confirm that one yet. 

Crazy idea would be to pull the front two cab bolts lightly lift the cab up slightly just for the aid of removal. Lot of people say the Cummins can be lifted out without much effort. If the cab is sagging down it would make it a fight to get the oil pan over the cross member. 

17 minutes ago, Mopar1973Man said:

Crazy idea would be to pull the front two cab bolts lightly lift the cab up slightly just for the aid of removal. Lot of people say the Cummins can be lifted out without much effort. If the cab is sagging down it would make it a fight to get the oil pan over the cross member. 

I didn'thave to do that. Motor mounts need to be gone. A very tight chain and I kept it level