Mr. Jimmy

How many on here have ran the 53 series block in stock form with good success? A friend of mine is looking at a 98 and we are curious how many miles may possibly be expected out of this motor if maintained properly. The truck has 140K on it now.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

jentas

It seems like the problems actually only happen to maybe less than 10% of the 53 block trucks, and most of those are the sport models for some reason. I think the cracking occurs regardless of hp. Some say that cracking tends to occur after towing heavy through the mountains from the excessive heating and cooling cycles imposed on the block.

If it's not cracked now, it probably won't crack, but there's always that possibility. If it's a good truck, just maintain it well and keep an eye on the coolant level just in case.
On these forums you definitely hear more about the small number of problem trucks than you do about the trucks that run forever without issues.

Tate

Mine was in stock form for about 330k if the odometer is right, and has been mildly bombed for the last 70k km. Still no cracks. I wouldn't turn down a good truck because of a 53.

rams2500

I my opinion a engine with 150xxx on it has a risk of serious problems 53 block or not. The 5.9 is a bullet proof motor but a few of us are lucky enough to hear the phrase "I've never seen that happen before"

1-5-3-6-2-4

My old '98.5 was 200,000kms on it I laid 75,000 HArd KMS to it. lastly to around 500-600rwhp. no cracks. headgasket wasted yes, block crack no.

pquevill

410,000 on mine and it pulls a 5th wheel and a 35' construction trailer, works off road building cell towers. No problems with mine. Out of Elkhart, IN most (70-80%) of the proffessional RV pullers use Dodges and they have easily 500-750K miles
Q

ModManiac

Dads cracked with 190k. Some people have good luck and Im not saying that every engine is junk but personally after seeing one cracked I wouldnt have one.

patavery

mine cracked at 300,ooo this week but I pulled real hard in the mountians.just finished putting ina 01 block boy what drag .had to change crank cam gear

high bid

181k and ok, to date.

farmer13

200,000K pull 29ft 5th wheel no problems yet

Danderson

Mine died @ 17,500 miles which I believe is the record. It was replaced with another "53" on warranty. I sold it@ 52,000 and as far as I know it's doing fine.

tonycamacho

At 42,000 Miles the 53 series was replaced by Dodge. I started to notice losing coolant at about 38,000 miles. I have 91,000 on it now and running great with the new engine, and running better since I upgraded the tranny and torque converter.

opiy2k

I have a sport model with 303k miles and it used to pull a three car trailer and i havnt had any problems so far.