Conversions

will a 318 out of a 1970 plymouth fit into a 1987 dodge dakota

It will fit in the engine compartment. It may however be cost prohibitive to do this swap.
What motor is currently in the Dakota?
Automatic or Manual?
~Michael

You might want to post on this site. There a lot of knowledgeable Dakota people here.

http://www.dakota-truck.net/

Off the top of my head the only V8 offered in a Gen I Dakota (87 - 91) was in the Shelby Dakota conversion. To fit a V8, Shelby had to use an electric radiator fan instead of a mechanical one. The Gen II Dakotas (92 - 96) abd later had a longer engine compartment to fit a factory V8 (318). I had a 95 with a V6 and there was plenty of room for the engine.

Ed B.