I have heard about the 53 block number being bad and i was wondering what a 55 means if it is good or bad and what if you dont have a number at all. One of my friends has a 01 Dodge 5 spd, quadcab that doesnt have a number on the block at all and i was wondering if thats obnormal or not and his truck vin says that its an 01 but it was built in jan of 00 and the door plastic extends on like the 00 and he has the rear plastic bumper cover. i was wondering if you could help us out in figuring out whats up with this truck and why there are some weird things about it. any info would be greatly appriciated

 

The only block you have to worry about is "53".

 

...and I've seen three this week over 100K with no weapage.

 

Personally, I would stay away - its just too $$ to fix it properly. JMO.

Ive got a 53 for sale if your interested...

 

I have 110,xxx miles on my mexican 53 block, no weepage so far.

 

When I bought my '99 last year I did not do enough research. I bought a truck that had the 53 block that was cracked and it had been covered up with black epoxy that slowed the leak down. I could not find any one in my area that would do the lock-n-stich in frame plus I determined that the crack had run to at least 12 inches. My only alternative was to get another motor. I got one with the mexican block from a wrecked truck for $3200 installed. I now have more in my truck than it is worth but it is dependable and a joy to drive. I hope to get at least another 10 years out of it.

 

iv got 253.000 on my 53 block and it has a few bombs

 

Your not a professional salesman are you?


Rich

 

Our 53 has 171xxx on it....

 

140K and counting!

 

Apparantely NOT....

 

Ive looked and looked under the engine and I have still to find a number anywhere.

 

My "53" died @ 17,500. I think that's the world's record for low mileage failure. At least I got it out of the way. Unfortunately they replaced it with another "53".

 

So am I wrong in my understanding that the Mexican clocks has a series of numbers, and the 53, 55, etc were from Brazil?

 

yes...but the 53 was cast with a weak water retainer(i think thats what i read) wall and after a bit of stress(towing mountins) it will crack...the 55 was a stronger cast that was the big brtoher of the 53