holeshot440

Today I bought a '98 club cab short-box 4x4 with a 12-valve. I'm wondering what transmission, transfer case, and turbo it has. Also the owner's manual and stuff in the glovebox is for a 1997, but the window sticker (I was amazed to find that folded up in there) and title says it's a '98. The build date was I think 9/97--late in the year, anyway. Was it common to use last year's manuals?? Also it does have the dreaded "53" block , but everything else was right, i.e. color, box length, number of valves, and a 5-speed, so I overlooked it.

wcbcruzer

It might have a 53 block but don't worry about it since you have a 12v. I forgot if it's the driver's side or passenger's side, but you look on the engine block right above the oil pan. It'll have "53" stamped on the block.

Check out: www.dodgeram.org. You'll find all the info there.

Congratulations on the new truck! Feels great don't it?

TxDiesel007

Since the truck is a manual

you have the 215 pump, (AKA 887, or 913) could be one or the other, but both are rated 215 horses. The transmission is an NV4500 HD, i do believe, the Transfer case, is probably an NP271 either standard duty or heavy duty, and the turbo is an HX 35, with a 12cm housing stock..

53 block? not likely if it was a 97 build date..

Rick

steerjock

But wouldnt all of the '98 12 valves have a '97 build date since they switched at the model year halfway point??? So it is possible to have a 53 block, i know signature600 has one in his '98.

wcbcruzer

whoops, I don't know why I thought it was an auto.

thekidfan

All, 98 12 valves were built in 97, and alot of them are 53 blocks both of mine are! 98 should have the 913 pump IF it's not a transplanted Calif. truck (96 and 97's were 887's), may want to check. Never heard of the 271 being in any of these trucks believe you meant 241. Good luck with the new ride!!

John_P

holeshot440:

Your truck should have the following if it is a 98' Dodge CTD 12 valve 5-speed:

Transmission: NV 4500
Transfer Case: NP-241
Turbocharger: HX-35/12

As DTR Member "wcbcruzer" told you, to see if you have a "53" block, go to front of the engine, driver side, near but above the oil pan below the P-Pump and as he said, the number "53" will be visible on the block.

BTW, congratulations on your new truck!

--------
John_P

Blast Chamber

My '98 was also built in 9/97 in St. Louis, build sequence #117888. I looked yesterday and it doesn't appear to have a 53 block. There is a large number "5" cast in the block, but definitely no "3" after it. Maybe getting a 53 block depends somewhat on which assembly line it came off of, Saltillo or St. Louis?

holeshot440

Mine was built actually in 8/97, in Saltillo. Sequence # 102247 . It definitely is the "53." I'm not going to worry about it.
Happy with it so far--way more refined than the '93, but I still love my 1st Gen. I need to fill it up this new one and check the MPG--it seems to be a fuel-guzzler, unless the gauge is just way out of whack.
It has NO power under 1500 rpm--maybe I lug it too much, but the '93 comes on at a lower RPM.
What temp do you guys' factory gauges run at, not pulling anything? Mine seems a little cool, down around 160, 165, but maybe that's normal. ??

wcbcruzer

Sounds like mine. It'll oscillate back and forth between 160 to 190. In the summer it reaches 190 faster.

proudpapa97

Hey Guys,

Can you quickly bring me up to speed on what is so bad about the "53 Block" ?? I bet I have one in my 97 I just bought last week. Also, I noticed that my temp gauge fluctuates as well, is that normal? Do you guys notice your gauge going back and fourth? Mine never exceeded 190 when I was driving it last weekend.

wcbcruzer

Temp. needle fluctuation is normal. It'll keep fluctuating until it finally stabilized at 190 (hopefully won't go over too much). It's because the thermostat opens up a little more as the truck warms up; hence, your temp. drops a little. Unloaded you may never reach a stable 190 degrees.

The 24 valve 53 blocks tend to crack and leak coolant. Never heard of one happening on a 12 valve though. So even if you have one, don't worry. Look on the driver's side of the engine block right above the oil pan. It'll say "53" if you have one.

Common

You have a 97, no 53 block for you...

And my truck rarely reaches 190*

Its quite normal...

proudpapa97

Thank you !!!!!!!!

12valve

what did the truck cost you?

just wondering we bought one last week for $9970 98 12v QC SB 4x4 auto