I was looking on craigs list at a 1998 24V and asked him if it was a 53 block and he said no it was a 39 block? Is there such a thing?
thanks

 

There were a bunch of casting numbers ranging from two numbers to a series of letters and numbers and other stuff.

Only heard of casting issues with the 53. Apparently the mold shifted when poured and caused a thin spot along the exhaust side that will let go after prolonged cavitation erosion from the coolant.

Apparently a rumor circulates that the Brazilian blocks found in Mexican made Rams built for US markets have an excellent hard block due to the iron content found in the ore mined in that region and used in the casting process down there.

53 blocks are of US manufacture.....

 

53 block were made in brazil
all others were Mexican

 

Ha ha I can never remember anything correctly anymore! Usually put "IIRC" in front of statement.

Anyway, stay away from the 53 unless the truck is a low mileage garage queen in perfect condition, then save your money for a new block!

 

53 bad. Everything else good.

 

53's are a great way to save some serious cash. I know guys with 200-300k on their 53's with no cracks. Usually the way to help keep it intact is let it fully warm up to operating temp before you are hard on it. Other thing is usually after about 5-600hp is when signs start showing up. I've saw a few trucks going for 4-5,000 under what the same trucks with no 53 block are going for.

 

Personally, I'd pass.....

I did, in fact, pass on 3 of them when searching for my truck, even the Patriot blue/Driftwood one I thought I could not live without. Saw the 53 and walked away...