Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 53 Block Question

[MRaynor]

I found an 01 with 101k on the clock and the body and interior is in perfect condition. It is a 5 speed 4X4 SO truck. From all the great info that you guys have posted, I went back and looked, and it has a 53 block. I already know about the other inherent problems that I will have to take of right away, such as getting an Air Dog, and to watch out for the 5th gear nut.

But my question is, should I just walk away due to the block? Are there any of the 53s that nobody had any problems with? Or am I just being paranoid? The truck is exactly what I need to work out of and don't want to let it slip away because of being paranoid, but don't want to make an expensive mistake either.



Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[highland]

I have a 53 block on my 99. I bought new, have over 270K and run up to 450 hp through it. Runs as strong as ever (knock on wood)!
I think most 53's are going to work fine.

 

[SHobbs]

Same here bought mine new ten years ago and currently have 250k on it with no problems.

 

[hbowers]

53 block

I have an 02 block for sale in case somebody has a cracked 53 block they want to fix.

 

[FourBarR]

My 98. 5 has 520,000kms (315,000k ) on a 53 block ,its stock and is doing great.

 

[AlaskanCummins]

me too...

I have a 53 block in my conversion truck with about 110K on it - only thing I'm running non-stock is Smarty set on 5.



So, like others, knock-on-wood!



If I understand correctly, most blocks from 98. 5 to 01. 5 are 53's 6 to 1. Gotta remember that people come here to post either problems or solutions to a problem they've had. The majority of people will never have issues with their 53's.



Once again, knock-on-wood!

 

[MRaynor]

Thanks for the input guys. I feel a lot better about making a decision now. Oo.

 

[MRaynor]

Thanks again for the input guys. I bought the truck. Pics can be seen here:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...002/219645-my-new-me-2nd-gen.html#post2120119

 

[VicR]

Nice truck. Most 98. 5 - 01's were 53 blocks, and its not hard to find a bunch of those years on ebay or craigslist at any given time with several hundred thousand miles on them, so the majority of trucks are doing just fine. I'm sure you get lots of happy miles out of your new truck. -Vic