Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) quick question...

[JFringer]

I know all about the problem with the cracking 53 blocks in the 24 valve trucks. Just wondering if 12 valves had 53 blocks. Lookin to get a 12 valve, what is the best year to get a 3500 straight drive? Thanks

 

[JMcCoy]

The 53 blocks were all 24 valves. What is a 3500 straight drive?

 

[HCannon]

97 98 have all the latest up dates of the 12 valve. The hy. brakes and every thing that the 98. 5 24v has. You dont have to worry about the 53 block.

 

[JFringer]

Ok thanks. And a 3500 straight drive is a 1 ton with a manuel trans

 

[Flying_gage]

I have a 96 "straight drive" 3500. Sold a '98 2wd 2500 98 a couple years back. Beside some small differences, I noticed very little and wouldn't hesitate to buy something earlier that fits your needs. I sometimes miss the dash board, but nothing else was noticeable.

 

[KBurgoyne]

apparently i have a strait drive too. a 94 or 95 wont have the EGR or cat to deal with. if you want power, the 96-98 will have the 215 pump. all years have the 5th gear issue, but the 3500 should have the 13. 5 inch heavy duty towng clutch that can handle 450ish. look for one with 16 inch wheels. the 17s are a pain in the *** to find.

 

[SRadke]

There were 53 block issues with 12 valves too. As well as KDP problems.

 

[KBurgoyne]

i think only the 98 12 valves had the 53 blocks, but they are not as prone to cracking as with the 24s for whatever reason. still if your worried about it just check the number cast on the side of the block when you go to buy one. crawl under the front, left side, and look up at the block on the front, directly under the injector pump just above where the oil pan meets the block.

 

[LVJUNIOR]

I have a 98 12v with a 53 block and have not had any problems. I researched this a while ago and like a previous poster stated it dosn't seem to affect the 12v like the 24v

 

[SRadke]

I have worked on a cracked 53 block in a 96. Not as common, but it has happened.