Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 2001 cracked block

[dresslered]

I personally know several "53" blocks that eat the "55's" for breakfast!

 

[JGarcia]

I just noticed this thread, and have decided that I'm going to have to install a solid granite roof on my house, as I understand my current shingles are susceptible to 8" hail.

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by dresslered

I personally know several "53" blocks that eat the "55's" for breakfast!

That's because the engine block walls are only 6mm thick not 12mm thick, which makes them weigh less :-laf You know the old lighter faster deal.

 

[tractorface]

How come when the doctor tells us not to eat fatty foods because it could lead to heart problems we say "it won't happen to me" but when the "53 block" or "99KDP" scare hits we all immediately figure we are doomed. Just curious. I have been trying to quit worrying about potential vehicle problems for years.

This site ain't helpin!



Still love my CTD and will fix it if it breaks

 

[Big_Daddy_T]

I have two 53 blocks. I am not worried. I wonder what percentage of blocks crack? My first truck has 150k. Not one kind mile on it. I abused the crud out of it. I figure I stress tested it and it didnt fail. Good nuff. Quite a few of those miles were with a comp at 5x5. I never turned it down.



I couldnt see the #s but because of the great pictures. I was able to reach it in and pull the # braille style.

 

[Cobra]

53 blocks

what me worry.



I didn't even look at my engine block. If it cracks I'll do what has to be done at that time.



You know, like the man from New England says, I'll drive off that bridge when I get to it.

 

[NathanPierce]

Don't know what to tell you;

I have a 98 12 valve with 138,000 so far. I tow a 33 footer trailer and this puts out about 650 lbs of torque. It has a cam plate and a NV-5600 transmission. I am looking to go the long haul-maybe 300,000 or so before I shop... unless my ISB 53 can't hang and gets a crack, then I'm out of luck. As for you, don't worry about it. If it cracks then worry. I spoke to a tech guy from BD and he said it's only a rarity that it happens. If it was more common, Chrysler would have recalled them. I saw the "53" and said, 'Oh crap' but then I thought about it and the thing is still the same as it was before I saw those numbers... Don't sweat it and enjoy the truck like you never new it was a 53...

Take care,

Nathan

 

[dclassens]

Having not recently looked, what is the best way to see the "53". On my back under drivers side? Maybe standing on the left front tire while digging my head into the engine compartment?

 

[NathanPierce]

To PitBull;

I have a 98 12valve with a NV-5600 transmission-do I need to be fixing this KDP thing?

Let me know thanks,

Nathan

 

[NathanPierce]

To DClassens

It is easy to see, but look beyond the numbers. Basically, crawl on your back underneath the drivers side front. Lokk below the P/S pump. You will see a bunch of numbers near the pan, that's not it. Lift your head and look again and maybe you will see 2 big numbers, about an inch 1/2 in size. It will be obvious when you see them. At first I though mine said 55, but I scrapped the oil off the bottom and saw the 53 numbers. No biggie-it's got 138000 so far and still outpulling and going up the Allegheny's. Take it easy, Nate

 

[FourBarR]

if you have a 98. 5 to 2001 dodge you nee to carry the following every where you go

1- lift pump 2- vp44 3- apps 4- short block 5- tools to change all these. dont worry be happy. I have a 53 block still ok at 381,000 kms. 3 lift pumps. original vp44. 1- apps.

 

[RKraft]

I looked twice at my 01 HO today for the dreaded 53 block. I found a few small numbers and letters but no 50 series numbers any where. I was built in Mexico on 7-00 and MDH 071407 July 14th 2000 at 7:00a. m. . I lucked out after I purchased this truck 2 weeks ago I remembered about the 53 blocks and forgot to tell my dad when he was under it looking for me to look for that. Oh well like others have said if it cracks then I will worry about it and replace it then.

 

[RAJohnson]

OK you made ME look Mine is a 56 All's good. Made in Mexico, MDH 060613. does this mean I have a Taco

 

[jcbrown]

I now have a cracked block @ 170,000 miles. :-(

 

[Chief USA]

This is a pretty long thread and I may have missed it if already posted but here is a link with some good info. on the 53 block:



53 Block FAQ and Information

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I now have a cracked block @ 170,000 miles. :-(

Wow what the heck James What number block do you have? Cliff lost his #55 block a year or so ago.

 

[jcbrown]

I have # 53 block.

 

[99cumminsfred]

I have a 99 2500 Cummins with a six speed and I looked under it today and all I seen was a 4 B and nothing else. Is this good? I looked at the picks of where the 53 would be and mine has nothing.

 

[Bob4x4]

I have a 99 2500 Cummins with a six speed and I looked under it today and all I seen was a 4 B and nothing else. Is this good? I looked at the picks of where the 53 would be and mine has nothing.

The 53 is in large letters if it's there you wpould have seen it

 

[drag racer]

99, that's a cause for celebration! ;-)