Description
About This Engine
The 5.9 Magnum is the V8 that built the second-generation Dodge Ram's reputation. From 1994 through 2003, this engine powered the half-ton, three-quarter-ton, and one-ton Ram pickups, the Durango full-size SUV, and the Dakota R/T performance truck. Producing 245 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque from 360 cubic inches, it delivered the V8 grunt that made the Ram a serious work truck and a credible alternative to Ford and Chevy half-tons of the same era.
Internally, the 5.9 Magnum is the modernized version of Chrysler's LA-series small block V8 that traces back to 1964. The Magnum upgrades over the older 360 LA include redesigned cylinder heads with significantly improved port flow, sequential multi-point fuel injection (SMPI) replacing the carburetor, a hydraulic roller camshaft for better high-RPM breathing and lower friction, and a one-piece rear main seal that eliminates the chronic leak point of older LA engines.
Why Ram Owners Choose a Used 5.9 Magnum Over a Reman
Used 5.9 Magnum availability is excellent because over a million were built between 1994 and 2003. A clean used unit from a low-mileage donor truck typically costs less than half of a remanufactured long block, while delivering comparable service life when properly inspected and tested. For Ram owners doing a budget-conscious engine replacement, a verified used 5.9 is the smart choice.
Signs You Need a Replacement 5.9 Magnum
- Knock or rattle under load, rod or main bearing wear on high-mileage units
- Blue smoke on startup, valve seal wear (a known 5.9 Magnum issue past 150,000 miles)
- Loss of compression on one or more cylinders, head gasket or ring wear
- Coolant in oil or oil in coolant, head gasket or intake manifold gasket failure
- Excessive timing chain noise on cold start, timing chain stretch
- Low oil pressure on a warm engine, main or cam bearing wear
- Misfire codes that move between cylinders, intake manifold plenum gasket leak (known issue)
Known 5.9 Magnum Issues We Inspect Before Shipping
- Plenum gasket condition, the most common Mopar Magnum vacuum leak source
- Valve seal condition (commonly worn on units past 150,000 miles)
- Timing chain stretch on high-mileage units
- Hydraulic roller lifter operation
- Block casting numbers and date code documented
- Front and rear seal condition disclosed before shipping
What Is Included, What Is Not Included
| INCLUDED | Long block: block, crankshaft, rods, pistons, camshaft, heads, valve train, oil pan, valve covers, intake manifold lower (where present), timing cover, harmonic balancer. |
|---|---|
| NOT INCLUDED | Upper intake plenum, throttle body, exhaust manifolds, distributor, ignition system, alternator, starter, A/C compressor, power steering pump, water pump (sometimes included, call to confirm), flexplate, motor mounts. |
| Fluids | Drained before shipping. Refill with 5W-30 motor oil meeting Mopar spec. |
| Core Note | No core charge. You are not required to return your old engine. |
The 5.9 Magnum was a direct fit in the following vehicles:
| Dodge Ram 1500 | 1994 to 2002 (Gen 2 Body) |
|---|---|
| Dodge Ram 2500 | 1994 to 2002 (Gen 2 Body) |
| Dodge Ram 3500 | 1994 to 2002 (Gen 2 Body) |
| Dodge Durango | 1998 to 2003 (5.9 V8 trim) |
| Dodge Dakota R/T | 1998 to 2003 (performance trim, 5.9 only) |
| Dodge Van B-Series | 1994 to 2003 (5.9 V8 trim) |
| Jeep Grand Wagoneer | Not factory, popular swap candidate |
Transmission pairings: 46RE 4-speed automatic (most common in Ram 1500), 47RE 4-speed automatic (Ram 2500/3500), NV3500 5-speed manual (Ram 1500), NV4500 5-speed manual (Ram 2500/3500). Tell us your transmission so we confirm the correct flexplate pattern at order.
Not sure if this fits? Call (240) 301-0095 with your year, make, model, transmission, and current engine VIN code. Our team verifies fitment for every order before it ships, including correct intake manifold style, sensor positions, and bell-housing pattern.
Every used 5.9 Magnum we ship goes through this process:
- Compression test across all 8 cylinders, pressure per cylinder recorded
- Visual inspection of block deck, head surfaces, and oil galleries
- Hydraulic roller lifter operation verified
- Timing chain stretch checked and reported
- Plenum gasket condition inspected (known leak point)
- Valve seal condition assessed by visual smoke check on cold engine
- Year, casting numbers, and donor mileage documented when available
Mileage varies by donor unit. Where verified mileage is available, it is shared. Where mileage cannot be confirmed, we disclose this openly before payment. Full inspection notes are available on request.
Why Buy From Vaz Auto Solutions
- All 8 cylinders compression tested, results shared before order is confirmed
- Year and casting numbers documented for every unit
- Plenum gasket and timing chain condition reported, known Mopar Magnum wear points
- Fitment verified for your specific Ram, Durango, or Dakota R/T application
- Free crated freight delivery to all 50 states, no hidden surcharges
- No core charge, keep your old engine
- 15 day replacement warranty on internal defects
- Mopar-experienced support team on the phone, real conversation about Magnum builds
Tom (verified owner) –
This 5.9 engine breathed new life into my old Ram. Solid power runs smooth. Vaz Auto Solutions shipped fast and packaged well. Great buy
Linda (verified owner) –
Installed this 5.9 in my 2002 Ram and it’s like a new truck. Plenty of torque for the trails. Vaz Auto Solutions’s customer service was spot-on. Highly recommend
Brett D., Lubbock TX –
Cracked piston ring after a coolant loss event. Ordered a 5.9 Magnum from Vaz, they sent me the casting numbers and compression numbers before I paid. Engine arrived crated, fluids drained, exactly as described. Plenum gasket was disclosed as new which was a nice surprise. Truck runs strong six months later.
Karl P., Birmingham AL –
Needed a 5.9 for my Durango and Vaz had a low-mileage donor unit. Compression came back at 145 to 152 across all 8, which is solid. Light seep at the valve covers was disclosed before shipping. Easy install, smooth-running engine, fair price.