2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Calling all 53 blockers, found a deal?

[Flinty]

'99 regular cab with 5sp, 4x4, sport, great shape. The catch... 53 block with 182k. Not cracked but will it after all these miles? $2500 below book. Avoid it like the plague or not?

 

[Highfinance97]

120K on the 99 duallie and 180K on the other 99



Nothing yet



Check this out

53-block-failure-poll





Michael

 

[Mhannink]

130k on mine and its not cracked. used to have bully dog 8's in it

 

[JimThomas]

186000 and cracked I would stay away from the 53

 

[drag racer]

I'm in the "53 block" club, so I think I am qualified to share my opinion. Personally, I would not necessarily let that sway you away if you believe it's a good deal. If you look at the total number of trucks built in those years, my feeling is the actual % that crack is very low. Remember, you hear a lot about it on here because we are enthusiasts who share the good & bad, but also are a big minority compared to the total vehicle ownership. With that said, it still carries some risk that it could go on you.



When I first heard about this flaw on here years ago, I was really pi$$ed off after dropping $33k at the time for my dream truck. But I told myself, why lose sleep over something that likely will never happen to me, and that I can't control? And if it does crack, I will deal with it then. I love my year truck, even more now with all the emissions crap on the new ones, it's paid for, and the prospect of having to do a $7,000 engine swap at some point in the future sure beats dropping another $50k on a new one, and starting all over again with the mod's. Of course, I plan on keeping my truck until I die, total it, or can't get parts for it . Just my $0. 02.

 

[klaybus]

Just turned 200k... Knock on wood!

 

[SHobbs]

210k on my "53".

 

[RHARVEY]

A good friend of mine has 130k on his and its still good. .



Rick

 

[DCreed]

I dont know what you're going to pay exactly but these trucks can be had around 13k. I got mine for 12k and its not a 53. the 2nd gen trucks have enough problems(lift pump/VP/steering/brakes) without the 53, so unless its a heck of a deal, I'd say no thanks.

 

[JVackiner]

230K on original "53" and VP44. I know they won't last forever but this has been a very good pickup for me.

 

[FourBarR]

462,000kms on 53 block and vp-44 no problems yet.

 

[MamthTorq]

160k on mine, no crack yet, I am not easy on it either. Pulling a trailer with 10-20k on it 90% of the time. The thought of a crack is always looming over my head. So unless it is a really good deal, I would wait and find another one.

Casey

 

[jhoughton]

Mine lasted until 78k and first cracked. I knew what I had and still did my mods. Can't say the mods caused it or not. I also pull heavy at times around a 10k gooseneck. I was able to replace a the block myself. Bought a block off of e bay brand new latest number for half cost of the Cummins dealer and all the other parts came from Cummins(gaskest,bearings,rings, ext). The total cost was right at $2100. It would have been another $900 if the block came from Cummins. If you can't do the work yourself then it will be that plus all the labor(?$). The bottom line if you feel it's a good deal. Then you are the one that will be satisfied with it. Don't let the 53 block stop you. Just be prepared up front with what could happen. Jim

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

'99 regular cab with 5sp, 4x4, sport, great shape. The catch... 53 block with 182k. Not cracked but will it after all these miles? $2500 below book. Avoid it like the plague or not?

What are they asking for it, ~$13k?

 

[Flinty]

I could've gotten it for $10,500. I let the deal go, I've got enough wrenching to do just keeping what I've got on the road. Plus, this truck would've gone to the foreman as a service truck. I was given the task of finding a truck for him. I didn't really want to try explaining to the boss how "there's this crack and I'm afraid we'll need a new block and to have the truck off line for about a week and a half. How much will it cost you ask? Well..... I'll get back to you on that. "



I found a '97 fully loaded 5sp ex. cab 208k for $11,500. Mark that down as a bargain boys. Once I got the fuel system straightened out it has been a dream to have around! There's a picture of it on a trailer behind my truck the day I hauled it back in the photo gallery.



I was surprised to see this thread surface, it's an old one. Thanks for all the feed back. I might take a chance if it was for personal use and the right price.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

$10,500 for a regular cab is not that great of a deal... one strike... VP44? strike two... 53 block? strike three!



$11,5k for a 200k mile 97 isn't horrible. Not sure if I'd mark it down as a bargain. Sounds like you and I need to get together and start shipping some TX trucks to MT



BTW, good move finding the boss a 12v

 

[Highfinance97]

when i was looking for a tow rig last Feb. I found my 99 duallie with a 53 Block for $10K

120K,loaded except leather
It would start when i bought it so all it needed was a HPFP and a VP


So far so good with no mods and towing 12K


Michael

 

[2-ND TIME]

53 blocks

FourBarR you have a small number of more km's on then I do! hehehe I thought I drove alot.



Mine cracked last November 06. I just keep ppouring in the coolant till I get a new truck in the summer I hope or till this cratters.