Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Looking for a 24v truck (without 53 block)

[JHenry]

I am looking for a 24 valve Cummins powered Dodge 2500 or 3500. Can someone please tell me which years to avoid, specificaly to avoid the "53" block problems? In which years was that block found? Thanks. JHenry

 

[JR2]

The 53 was around from at least 98. 5 to 2002 and maybe others. My Dad had one that he drove 170K miles (towing 85% of the time) and never had a problem. If you go with an older truck you get the killer dowel pin.

 

[Sageair]

The way I understand it not every truck of a given year will have a 53 block. My 2001 does not. I would start looking around and just check the block for your self.

 

[SHuber]

I'm sure this has been visited a quad zillion times, but how do you identify the "53" block?

 

[ANicklas]

The number is on the driver's side, under the VP.

Blocks cast in Brazil have two numbers, e. g. 53, 54, etc...

Blocks cast in Mexico have a series of characters - basically anything but two big numbers.

So if you have a 53, you might be screwed, a 54 or a bunch of letters/numbers, you should be safe.

 

[SHuber]

As fate would have it, I'm probaly gonna be "screwed" but I'm gonna check anyway. My truck is a 99 and has 278,000 miles on it, so I guess if it's a doomsday block, it's probaly living on borrowed time right now? Thanks

 

[BTighe]

if its gone 278k, id say your good. 53 or not, thats enough time to tell if its gonna crack.

 

[SHuber]

Well, I just verified it last night, I'm an official member of the (Crack 53) club... ... No cracks though... (yet) fingers crossed.