tenmile

Question for you guys-
Does anyone know if you're safer with a US built Ram over a Mex. Built ram when it comes to the dreaded 53 block? I've noticed a people people mention the 53 being a mexican block, and since so many of our Rams were built in Mexico....

Also- is there kind of a mileage where you hit- if the block hasn't cracked you're probally safe?
Thanks!
Mack

Duluth Diesel

It has nothing to do where the truck was assembled. It has everything to do with where the block was cast for Cummins.

tenmile

Alright, thanks....
I'm looking at a Ram in NM- i worked a deal out with the guy, but he is very ill (why he's selling the truck) and can't tell me if it has the 53 or not. It's modded- 4" exhaust, K&N FIPK and D-Box, with no issue with leaking at all, in fact it's serviced to a T (since he was never planning on selling it). It's a '99 24V, X Cab, LB, 47RE Auto and 4x4, with 134k miles. He towed abotu 40% of the time, a 5th wheel horse trailer......
Thoughts?

Dr. Evil

FYI, 53 blocks were cast in Brazil. My truck was assembled in Lexington, Ky and it has a #53. Get under the truck and look for yourself. The numbers are at least an inch high, just above the oil pan. Ya cant miss it. If it doesnt have the big 53 - it isnt a 53.

Good Luck.

tenmile

I guess the question is-
If it is a 53, would you still buy it?

Dr. Evil

Other members may have different opinions, but knowing what I know now - probably not. I did some reaserch before I bought my truck but figured it was no big deal, only to find out later that the repairs arent cheap if it does happen to crack. Jim Fulmer's got a 12V thats pushing 800 hp with the #53 and hasnt had any trouble. Yet there have been at least a couple of guys on this board with stock or mild, mild mods that have had cracked blocks.

MikeR

To me it doesn't matter. The majority of the 98-2000 engine blocks are the 53's, Brazil does the majority of the casting. Everything has a failure rate, and the blocks are a very low-low posibility of it ever happening. Just think of how many engines are out there...pickup trucks, commercial trucks, motorhomes, etc... what's everyone so worried about.

BTW, 53-54-55 blocks are from Brazil.
No numbered blocks are from Mexico (these are the thickest blocks).

Dave65

My 2000 was built here and it had the 53 block,I drove it to 120000 with no problems all heavy towing miles,but it ate me up inside worrying about the block cracking so I traded it in and got a new one,and dont get me wrong I love my new one,but the 2000 was special to me and I do wish Id have kept it,it had proven track record,but I do wish I had kept it.It was almost payed for.So I would not worry about the number,one fella here had over 200000 on his before he traded it and had no problems.Good luck.

jigdog

tenmile

i have a 2k with a mex eng. the link on dtr says if you have a group of small numbers on the left side of the its mex.do a search

DLausche

I wouldn't worry about the 53 block. You describe a truck that appears to be very well cared for. IMO, that is far more important than the fact that it has a 53 block. From what I've read, the failure rate on the 53 blocks are really very low.

-Deon

Dr. Evil

At least that's what CUMMINS says.....

Barney

With 130k miles on it and lots of towing, I would be more concerned about the health of the VP44.

Check to see if he has a fuel pressure gauge on it and if the lift pump has ever been replaced.

I noticed my original LP was dead when I tried to prime the filter after installing gauges at about 46K miles. It primed the fuel filter just fine about 5K miles before that.

tenmile

It's got a new VP44, and new exhaust manifold. The LP might be dead, but i'm putting in a few LP (and re-locating it) after i put in a new FP Gauge.

gamiller31

I wouldn't worry about the 53. Just look it over good, if it's been well maintained you shouldn't have any problems.

tenmile

Sweet!
Thanks for the input guys- looks like it's a great forum to be on!
Out of curiosity, is there any 4-wheelers on this board? This Ram is to be my "tow rig" so i don't have to drive my rig to and from the trails!