Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) '98 QC 12v tech help????

[EMD-Run8]

OK crew---------educate me please. Suppose I was looking to buy an early '98 QC with a 12v motor. I have searched the forums and have learned that the late 12v's have the same block as the 24v. Am I right or did I miss something? I also learned about the dreaded "53" block however overblown or not the issue with this may be. I assume then that this is basically a 24v issue with thin block castings right? I can't tell from the posts when this block began to show up in production. Could y'all help with that? Did the late 12v'ers which supposedly have the 24v block potentially have the same problem? How 'bout if I just buy a '97 without the 24v block? My history is dusty here but dodge did introduce the Quad Cab in '97 right? If I buy used I must have a Quad Cab so right around this model year is what I'm looking for. Nothing particular against the 24v'ers but I'd be partial to a 12v if I bought used. Thanks all.

 

[WadePatton]

tuff search

Finding a 12v Quad is hard enough. When you get picky about blocks, it may be a LONG search. Nevermind trying to get a seller 200 miles away to check it for you.



Maybe it's not an issue. Never heard of a 97 Quad, but I might be wrong.



Good luck.

 

[BV]

Here is what I can help with - Quad Cab was introduced in mid 98 with the first bunch having the a 12v motor so it is possible to get one if you look hard enough.



My 99 QCab (built in August 98) had a 24v with the 53 block.

 

[Jim Fulmer]

12V 98's might all have 53 blocks I'm not sure, there are very few and I mean very few of them with problems and that goes back to the 97's also, Piers said he's never had any problems with a 12V "53" block, I've got one and have never had an issue with it... 120K now, I would rebuild it in a minute and keep pushing it but I might end up with a fresh short block... . if it's a 53 block then so be it.



Jim

 

[bbovenmyer]

The Quad Cab was introduced for the 98 model year. A 97 would be a Club Cab. As for the 53 block, I thought that I read on here somewhere that that block was usually only put into Mexican made rams.

 

[midwestdually]

only thing to worry about is gettin the KDP tabbed right away... after that. . no worries!

 

[C. Harlan]

1998 was indeed the first year for the quad cab, heated mirror option, and a few other minor options I cannot think of right now... from what I understand, the overvalved engine was supposed to be ready, but was late in production, therefore they had to continue putting the regularly valved motors in for a half a year longer. The best ones to have are 5 speeds, due to the fact that the 215 pump can pump sooooo much fuel. Of Course, you can get a 180 pump like Jim, have Piers work it over a little, and have something way better than a 215. Hope this helps out!



-Chris-

 

[Bill Lins]

Not so...

Originally posted by bbovenmyer

As for the 53 block, I thought that I read on here somewhere that that block was usually only put into Mexican made rams.

My 98 12v QC was built in St. Screwloose & has a "53" block.

 

[Jim Fulmer]

Don't sweat that 12V "53" Bill, look what mine goes through, I know of only one person that has changed any out and that is Van Haisley.



Jim

 

[tgrfan2]

finding 98 12v

I searched for my 98 Quad cab for 8 months. I checked several internet sites plus newspapers, etc. I did the 500 mile search and it took every foot of it. I love my truck. I did have to have the rear end replaced at 80K. I found my truck at a VW dealer in south Georgia! The dealer had several real clean Ford and Chevy trucks too.

I guess if I were buying now I would really crunch the numbers on an 03/04 HO considering the financing and the 48re. I paid more for my 98 than most used 00's were bringing then, but I think it was worth it to get the 7100 pump.

Good luck with your search.

 

[Swamp Donkey]

Where do I find the "53" number on my block. 132,000 trouble free miles on the block I have.

 

[TPCDrafting]

Swamps, do a search on 53 block or look at my reader rig pics. I took what I think are some good shots of where to look. No probs on mine at 109k. I'm not sure if all '98 12'ers have the 53 or not. Another thing, the 5 speeds have the short throw in '98 compared to the '97 and prior. Not sure if '97's have the overhead console or not, but the '98s have compass and temp. '99's have all the other features up there.

 

[WadePatton]

I've seen 95's and 96's with the compass thingy.