Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 1,000,000 miles?

[JFringer]

i recently discovered that i have a 53 block in my 98. 5 2500. i have 136k on the cummins to date. how many miles can i get out of it. it has been run stock till now. i am planning to get an edge juice with attitude. should i just drive the truck or sell and look for a non 53?

 

[Joe Mc]

The thing about a 53 block is - you can never tell - it could run fine for 1,000,000 miles or another 5 miles.

Most folks with the 53 just drive it till it does, or doesn't, go. There are some after-market kits that have heavy gage brackets that bolt onto the side of the block in the problem area that stiffen and support, but I've not heard of many folks using them.

 

[FourBarR]

my 53 block has 520,000 kms (over 300,000k) no problems. I think you increase your risk by increasing the hp. Mine is stock since new.

 

[jgillott]

The 2001 that I used to own was a 53 block. I didn't have any trouble with it before I sold it, though it only had a little of 60K on it. It did not lead an easy life by any means, dozens of runs on the track, dyno events etc. From what I understand, it is still holding together today.



I will be honest and say that having the 53 block in it was one of the major factors in selling it when I did. I just didn't know how much longer it was going to hold up under those conditions. I've known several guys personally who have had them crack. Some run hard like mine was, and a couple completely stock trucks. You just never know.

 

[diesel DOG]

I don't want to look on mine if it is!

 

[Mishkaya]

I don't want to look on mine if it is!

I had that fear as well when I first learned about the #53 block; but in the end I just had to know... Thankfully I have a #56 block. Oo.

 

[jgillott]

I don't want to look on mine if it is!

Chances are that you are OK. The 53 was phased out completely early in the 2001 model year. My early '01 (July 2000 build) had one, but I believe that very few if any of the later 2001. 5's had them.

 

[Grizzly]

When did the 53 block go into production? What block did the 95 3500, which was made in Mexico, have?

 

[jgillott]

When did the 53 block go into production? What block did the 95 3500, which was made in Mexico, have?

1998 model year through mid 2001. There were both 12 and 24 valve 53 blocks in '98. Not sure on the casting #'s for 1995 off the top of my head.

 

[SHuber]

I had a 99 3500 with a 53 in it, Edge comp most of its life not babied. Sold it with 290,000 miles and no crack.

 

[drag racer]

As I have said many times, just enjoy your truck and if she cracks, deal with it IF it happens. I have been also socking away my spare pennies for a while because with the way diesel trucks have gone with all the emissions equipment, etc. , I plan to keep mine forever as long as I can get parts for it, and if my block cracks, I will put another engine in it rather than even think of buying a used or newer truck.

 

[SHobbs]

I have 245k on my 53, if it cracks it cracks. As drag racer said I plan on keeping mine as long as parts are available as well.