Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) "55" Block

[RyanMueller]

I am just about to buy an '01 CTD QC SB 6spd that has the number 55 stamped on the side of the block on the driver's side. i have heard about the "53" block and was wondering if the 55 block was good or not? Its red and Bad***** by the way, I put pics on here soon.

 

[CHornsby]

You should be all good with the 55, so they say. I've got the 53 and no problems so far!

 

[Ereynolds72]

I'm looking at 24 Valve trucks now and was wondering; were the '53' blocks specific to any certain years? What side of the block is the # on? Most guys selling their trucks probably don't even know about the 53 block issue.

 

[16919]

I want to say up until 2000 but dont hold me to it... .

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

They started at the very end of the '97 model year, and I think there's a few 2001s running around with them.



Diesel Freak on NW bombers had his 55 block crack in the usual spot but he was pretty well bombed since his '01 HO was new (let go a little after 200k). That's the only 55 I've heard of cracking.

 

[SHobbs]

I did some readin on the block numbers. There is a 53, 55, 56 and one that is more rock solid than all of them. If you have a block with a bunch of small numbers that are almost unreadable you have what they call "the big daddy. " Not sure how many of those are out there.



I have read a thread or two about combining a Cummins top end and an International Harvester block is a tough combo. Wonder where one could find an 5. 9 IH block? Be kinda nice to have one to start building while I am waiting for the "53" to pop.

 

[RJWEST]

Call Me: Big daddy

 

[DBuchheit]

I have no large numbers, only small numbers and letters. I must have the "Big Daddy" as well.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

The problem blocks were from the Tupy foundry (Brazil), the good ones from the Mexican foundry (the small letters).

 

[RJWEST]

???? Is 'Big Daddy' a good resale item??? If I ever want to sell.