Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Did 2001 have the 53 blocks ?

[Rdunkin]

I am looking at buying a 2001 CTD HO 6 Spd. 4X4 Ext. cab long wide with 240,000 Mi. The guy ran escort for a trucking Co. and says he went to Canada 3 times a month. Of course he says he changed oil every 3500 Mi. He had a new fuel pump put on 1 Yr. ago. It is a "rare" Will Rogers Memorial, "Rattler" Edition. I have never heard of it and I live in OKLA. 40 Mi. from Will Rogers Birthplace and musem.

What do I check for on this truck?

What kind of problems are these having? He has never had a recall.

Thanks for ANY input.

Richard Dunkin

 

[JCyrbok]

I have an 01. 5 and my truck does not have a 53 block, but I am not sure if there are any out there with 53's. I have heard there is and there isnt, so that really doesnt help. The way I understand it is that the 53 is not nessecarily the kiss of death, especially in our application, but someone with more knowlegde may chime in.



As for problems: I have changed 3 lift pumps in 45K, one from the factory was fading fast when I changed it, the other 2 were total and spontainious failures. Other than that, that is the only engine problem I have had. AN after market pump (FASS, RASP etc) would fix this.



The front suspension is suspect in these truck as well. I'm going in to dealer on Monday for possibly a track bar, ball joints and u-joints (which sucks with only 45k). These are the only other problems that I have had.



Do a search, there are some other problems that occasionally pop up, but I have not had them. Auto trans can be a weak point when towing/hauling heavy if not cared for.



Hope this helps, or atleast gives u a starting point. I love my truck and will drive it till the wheels fall off. Then I'll put em back on and drive it somemore.



J-

 

[Supermod56]

Yes, some 01's have the dreaded 53 block, lots of info on here about that. If it is a 53, I would advise against it, they crack when bombed or towing heavy loads, not all do, but most. And the front ends wear out, especially the track bar and the lower ball joints, this happens because the motor weighs 1100 lbs. No big deal to fix. I personally wouldn't buy one with that many miles, the motor is good for 500K, can't say that about the truck though.



Tom



2001. 5 2500 4X4 5-Spd LB QC Black. Catcher ECM, DD Stage-1's, AFE, Bully Dog 4" pipe, ATS Exhaust Manifold, Silencer Ring MIA, JAKE Brake w/shifter switch, Geno's Banjo's, 3 Autometer's on the A-Pillar, Gear Vendor's O/D, Firestone Air Bags, Redline Oil throughout.

Soon-to-have 14cm Turbo Housing and RASP Pump (Thanks Olee!!)

 

[RacinDuallie]

Well I got a 53 block all good and well abused

Hoss has one too

Scott Bentz runs one also... .

All having high H. P. ,



There has to be an answer to the mystery... . for now more power coming!

 

[Rdunkin]

Thanks... ..... I got a 55..... I guess I got lucky?

 

[Supermod56]

Yep, me too, got the 55!! Life is good!!

 

[RacinDuallie]

I got's my 53 out - tore down- and in the process of going all out on it- pistons-cam-twins-stage 2 head w- extra porting& polishing,and more undisclosed mods... I'm not ruling out the 53casting series block- in fact I hear some of the bigger boys have them in their rides AND have spare 53's waiting in the wings... ..... :-laf

Rumors around talk about that particular casting has a higher nickel content in the block casting- which would kind of make sense with the cracking situation going on- other rumors are that the 53's are the lighter weight blocks out there- is any of this making sense?

It just seems to me that some 53's can really take a honking and some crack if you fart next to em' why is this?



For now I'm happy w- mine...

 

[CHornsby]

I've got the 53 ... ... ... ... no problems yet. I'll deal with it when / if it happens.

 

[patcarman]

i do not have the 53,mine has a bunch of little numbers that i couldnt read with a flashlight,i have 27 thousand miles and i have never had any motor problems, except my turbo started leaking oil, i have a new one from jr adkins, but i took my truck in for warrenty,so i would have a new hy on the shelf instesd of a broke one... .