First post here, so please forgive my ignorance.

Looking to buy a '99 3500 two wheel drive, five speed, dually - owner says the truck was built in Mexico. Would this mean it would automatically have the good Mexican block instead of the dreaded #53 block from Brazil ? Original, older owner babies the truck and says never had any trouble with lift pump, fifth gear, killer dowel pin or other known 24valve problems - so all original.

Truck is straight, and runs out super good with no apparent problems. 163,000 mi.

 

Its possible, but I would still check for the 53 above the oilpan on the left front corner of the engine block, in the area under the powersteering pump/vacuum pump assembley. It'll be just a big "53" cast into the block if it is. If its a real long number, then it is more than likely the mexican block.

 

So let me get this straight, all the ones built in mexico DONT have the 53 block? Mine says it was built in may e ho.

 

Mi trukee hecho en mexico con numero cinquenta y tres Check the block to be sure. Luckily mine hasn't cracked so far with 170,000 on the ticker..