I am new to the site and to be quite honest I don't know a whole lot about diesels other than they can be more fuel efficient than gas.  My dad had an Oldsmobile Cutlass, diesel, full size station wagon back in the 80's and it avg about 20-22 mpg.  Pretty good for a V-8.  

Is it possible to convert a gas 5.9L Dodge Ram 1500 to a 5.9 Cummins?  
Would the conversion be cost effective in the long run, with all things considered?  

it would probably be cheaper to buy a 2500.

if you were to go 24 valve, you would need complete motor, wiring harneses, computers, new suspension to hold the weight, and alot of other stuff. the 24 valve engine alone will set ya back at minimum 2500 dollars. thats only if you find a great deal on one like i did. then there is all the labor of swapping it all over.

12 valve you wouldnt need the electonic stuff. but everything else you would need just like the 24 valve.  

in the long run i dont think it would be worth the money to switch it over to a cummins. it would be best to just sell your 1500 and buy a truck that all ready has a cummins in it. the fuel prices right now, diessls are about the same as running a gasser right now unless you are pulling all the time.  

yep, trade that 1500 for a 25, plus the rear end couldnt handle the torque either, plus youd need a tranny,transfer case, not worth the effort or money.  i know where there is a nice 97 12 valve for sell, very very nice, 9k  

bro, coming from someone who has done it, go buy the 2500. the only reason i did it is because i wanted to see if i could. its a lot cheaper and a lot less hassle if you just go straight for a 2500  

7500 bucks for a 99 24 valve cummins with a 5 spd on autotrader

cost to convert
3500-4000 for motor
2000 for trans
500 for the rear end
150 for the harnesses
1500 for the needed suspension
radaitor-500-700 bucks

hmmm much cheaper justo buy one.