Mike D

I thought those of you with a non-cracked 53 block would be interested in this brace. It looks pretty stout. http://www.locknstitch.com/Repair%20...structions.pdf

Valv

Hmmm, interesting. I had 2 truck with 53 blocks and over 250,000 miles with no problems, whether towing (on the mountains, as somebody said) or driving empty. If price is decent it could be a good improvement. If we have to "shell out" a couple of hundreds for a piece of 2"x4" steel, 4 bolts, and a drill bit, I rather say no.

jlebrun

how do you know which block you have?

Valv

Do a search for 53 and you'll find plenty of reading for many weeks, including how to check if you have it.

trail rider

I have a block 53 on my '99 Dodge cummins turbo. The # is on the right lower front of the block. It can be kind of hard to see. Does anyone know of anyone who got Dodge to replace theirs?

trail rider

I have a '99 cummins turbo with a block 53 cracked in the same place everyone's has. The lower passenger side where the block curves in.
The # 53 is on the lower front on the drivers side, kind of hard to see. I have'nt heard of any long term good results on the Loc-N-Stitch and it cost about $1,700. Does anyone know of anyone that got Dodge to replace these defective blocks? People keep telling me to push Dodge hard but I can't get passed customer service. Let me know how many people you know who have had this problem. I heard it is pretty wide spread.

Tocapet

I've heard Dodge will replace the block if it has less than 150,000 miles on it. But your co-pay is around 2000 bucks.

CTD NUT

Well, I have the Lock n' Stitch set up with the re-enforcement bracket and it actually ends up costing around $830 so, I don't how it could possibly cost $1700. I have had it installed for almost a year and it is holding....though, it does seep a bit of coolant - but not much.

99globalwarmer

ive had one of those for years now and no problems and over 100000 on my block. its the heat cycles that kill the block. the brace does help hold the block together. thanks for the link

trail rider

If you have who to contact, or you know someone who has had Dodge replace their block out of warrenty, which is 100,000 miles please let me know. I can't get passed customer service reps who say they don't know anything about it. Sure!!!!!

trail rider

It costs $1,700 for Lock n' Stitch to do the procedure. We got a quote from them on it.

OldSmokey

I had one in my 2000 and it cracked at 125,000 miles. I tried everything i could to get Cummins to help with some of the cost but i didnt get anything, I was going to try the lock n stich but ended up buying an 05. If i had to do it all over again i would do anything i could to keep it from cracking. Just my two cents. Joel

TNutcher

Not to be uhm... negative haha but i dont see what the does to help. Would it hold the block together more in that area or squeeze it there??? I don't understand why that would make a difference.
TNutcher

trail rider

Please let me know any info on how to get them to replace it. Iv'e not gotten anywhere with Dodge.

Tocapet

Check on the forums. That's where I heard it. Someone
got his replaced.