kw power

hello read the site for about a year and have learned a lot but I have a question I have a 1991 dodge ram diesel and i want to upgrade in about 6 month or so which years did the "53" blocks made in and where is the 53 number located on the block also were there any year which they built a better trans that did not have a lot of problem thinking about 2001-2003 let me know also truck has to have the cummins 1991 was my first and i would not go back to gas thanks for help also what transfer case and rearenda werused on the 3/4 ton trucks thanks again

GlennRMK

98-01s "can" have the 53 block. Some do, some don't.

02s do not have it.

The 53 is easy to find, if you know were to look. I found it on a 00 today. It is right above were the oil pan bolts on to the block. It was easiest to see it by opening the hood for light and looking in front of the front tire. This was on the drivers side, but from what I've heard they are on both sides. There it was, 1" tall letters saying 53.

Automatic trucks(47RE) have the Dana 70 rear end. Manual trucks(98-02 5 speed or 00-02 6 speed) have the Dana 80 rear end. The 5 speed(NV4500HD) has a 12" clutch. The late 99-00 6 speeds(NV5600) have a 12" clutch as well. Not many of those around. Then in 01, with the HOs, the 6 speed clutch got upgraded to 13". The 5speeds are known for the 5th gear nut and the 6 speed has some issues and does not shift as nicely, IMO.

Also, in mid 01 they changed to rear disc brakes.

And in 01, automatic trucks got the HY35(smaller) turbo instead the HX35 on older trucks and manuals.

Stamey

53 block info: http://www.Stamey.nu/Truck/Cummins53BlockFAQ.htm

Which tranny are you talking about, auto or manual, and how many gears (5 or 6)?

Chris

dodgediesel4x4

My vote would go towards an 02 ETH (high output). You wouldn't have to worry about it having a 53 block (99-01 had em, i think?). It also just depends on what type of tranny you want...auto or manual. Keep in mind, the weakest part of any cummins rig is gonna be the tranny. Autos have had more problems that manuals. If you like shiftin through gears, then go w/ the 6 spd (ETH) if not, then go w/ the 5 spd .

Here's where the 53 is located:

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...+located+where

You can look up what type of transfer case and other important parts here under "specs"

http://dodgeram.org/

It all just depends on what you are gonna use the truck for (work, play, so on...) Just find one that you like and do some research on it.

Good luck,
Hunter

dodgediesel4x4

HAHA, looks like we where all busy finding useful links at the same time!!

matthopp

I like the 02's. They seem to have all of the kinks worked out and it is not the introductory year. I would try to get the 4-wheel disk (01.5 and up) and as stated ealier, tranny would be a concern. Personaly, I wanted the manual for its simplicity.

infidel

If you want a rig that is reliable, easy to work on and gets better mpgs skip the 24 valves entirely and pick up a '94-'98 12 valve.

propinc

On the 94 to 98 12 valve trucks you think there the best "all around truck" Dodge has made for pulling, mileage and reliability. What do you think the maximum load to pull would be, and what type of mileage empty do you believe they get. Would you have a preference to which year being the best of the best?

dodgediesel4x4

1998 12 valve, plain and simple. My old 98 12'ver was an awesome truck. I got 18+ mpg (4wd, both bumper replacements and 90 gal. L tank). No problems what so ever.

Palmetto_kid

why did you sell it hunter?

dodgediesel4x4

Was totaled in a wreck last summer. A white v-6 mustang ran a stop sign, I T-boned him. My front replacement bumper caused the frame to bend, where it mounts up to. Bent frame=total. My insurance company told me that DC won't let them repair frame damage on our rigs. Other down side was that he didn't have insurance

Oh well, I got my current truck outta the whole thing. I'm happy.