Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 53 block question

[BSander]

I have looked high and low on both sides of my engine, and can not find any raised 53 on it. Outside of a "2" I can't find any numbers. Does this mean I d not have a "53" block? Am I correct in assuming that since my truck was made in Mexico, it has a higher chance of having a Mexican block?

Sure would like to have one less thing to worry about

99 quad cab 3500 rwd

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Sounds like you're one of the lucky ones - now just DRIVE it and enjoy! :-laf

 

[EdK]

Look here

Did you look at the block BELOW the injector pump? Probably will need a flashlight to take a good look. There are pictures of the "53" if you search the site. If you have the original engine in your '99 you have a 99. 99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999% chance of a "53" :{

 

[PRout]

Is it really true that 99. 9% of 1999 trucks had the 53 block?

 

[EdK]

Well...

Well... perhaps a little bit of a guess, but I don't recall seeing anyone posting where a '99 had anything else. There have been quite a few discussion threads concerning the years having the "53"



Ed

 

[LLiddell]

I have a 99 and can't find a 53 either. All I can find is L4.

 

[Jeff Knight]

Check issue 60 of the TDR magazine. There is an article with a bare block showing the location of the 53. Jeff

 

[BSander]

did any of the '99 trucks made in Mexico have Mexican blocks, or is this just wishfull thinking on my part?

 

[SCass]

If you crawl under from the front left look underneath the PS pump area and you should see the '53'. I is quite obvious on mine!

 

[drag racer]

If you crawl under from the front left look underneath the PS pump area and you should see the '53'. I is quite obvious on mine!

Ditto. I guess anything is possible, but your odds of having a "53" in a 1999 are real good. :{

On the flip side, drive the pi$$ out of it and enjoy the truck, and if it cracks, it's a whole lot cheaper to put another bullet in it than replace the truck.

 

[klaybus]

While I have a 53 block in my truck, I don't worry about it. I did when I first heard about the 53 block but there's nothing I can really do to prevent it from cracking so why worry? Don't pump up the HP too high & or pull EXTREMELY HEAVY & you have a better chance of it NOT cracking than you do of it cracking.

I know of at least (2) high HP trucks running the 53 blocks & so far, so good! I just crawled under my truck & took a pic for you. I literally just pointed my Canon up above the pitman arm?? coming off the steering box & pulled the trigger. Perfect shot of the numbers. Directly below the VP. To see it with your eyes, you kinda have to stuff your head way up under the truck to see the numbers. .

Don't worry, BE HAPPY!



Clay

 

[SHobbs]

I also found the number behind the oil filter.

 

[tmacc]

I've got a "53" w/ 218K on it. Worry about something else.

 

[cuevas623]

WEll with 310,000 on mine I am sure most of you that have it will be alright as long as you take care of it. **** mine has 300,000 towing miles with trailer and race car! I am sure you guys will be fine!!!

 

[Joe Mc]

Guess I'm in the 0. 01 % group, no five-three here.

 

[PRout]

My truck was built in St. Louis in late Dec. 1999. It does not have a 53 either.

But it is one of the few 6 speed ETC (non-HO's) made. (always gotta be different)

 

[FULL TILT]

This Is The First I Have Heard About A 53 Block. What Does That Mean? Iss That A Weak Block Or Why Is It Bad To Have One?????

 

[FULL TILT]

Well It Looks Like I Got A 53 Block. Now What Does That Mean. Do I Not Ramp It Up Alot Or Is It Going To Be Ok When I Tow With It??#@$%!