I've been 53ed

[DavidC]

Whatever you find make sure it has provisions for the crank sensor. Cummins installed the replacement engine in mine then had to do it all over again to swap crank shafts with the tone ring and install the crank sensor. Not sure what year they just went with the cam sensor or if the hole is still in the block.

 

[brianMo]

Mine cost 7k about 10 years ago. Forest Diesel in Rolla, MO. Complete re-manufactured motor installed. Did a great job. I was so glad to ditch the 53. I do not know if this business is still around. He was a diesel mechanic in the Coast Guard for several years.

 

[DClark]

Does any one on the west coast know a good engine builder. I have a 6" crack on my block.
It is out of a 1999 3500.

My 98.5 had a 53 block that failed internally. I paid a salvage yard $1800 for a non-53 block and had my mechanic swap parts and install in truck. 53 blocks are a disaster waiting to happen. I don't care how you care for it, it will fail some time.
DClark