Tate

FWIW, the 53 (and the 54, 55 and 56) blocks are made in Brazil. The Mexican blocks don't have the big numbers, but a series of small ones. They are said to be one of the strongest blocks out there.

trksrfun

the 53 block is the brazil block and it does crack at the water jackets. here is the link that i found, explains all about it..... http://www.stamey.info/Truck/Cummins53BlockFAQ.htm

2500

what I got from article is NO ONE has reported a 53 12v block broken yet.

Piers posted a serious of pic's telling you to look for flawed casting marks.

So far no one has reported a 53 block from a 98 12v broken
does anyone know of one?

trksrfun

IIRC someone said that 24v is the way to go as far as a towing stand point, just curious as to why that is. did they mean cause the 01.5+ have rear disc brakes?

Tate

I'm sure the 6spd would be another good towing ammenity as well.

About the 53 block 12v, there is a guy on here that picked up a cracked 12v and used it to p-pump his 24v. cummnz4x4pwr is his handle. Like I've said before, if 12v and 24v production rates are the same (which I'm guess isn't the case, I have a feeling there are more 24v's out there), then there are atleast 6 times as many 53 blocked 24v's out there than 12'vs. Statistically, its more likely for a 24v 53 to fail since there are more of them. 12'v only got them for a half production year, 24v's got them for 3-4 years, although there are less of them in the later years.

trksrfun

tate.. you make a good point as far as its just probability that since there are more 53 block 24 valves its gonna happen more to a 24 valve... what years did the 6 speeds come in, im trying to get the best drivetrain for my money when i purchase one and the 6sp would be something that i would prefer to have although 5 speed wouldnt be to big a deal for me since im sold on gettin a manual..

Tate

6 speeds started in 99 or 00. They were behind standard ouptut (ETC) engines, 235hp. They had the 12.25" clutch and 1.25" input shaft. In 01 and 02, they were only available with the HO (ETH) engines, got the 13" clutch and the 1.375" input shaft. One note, they are expensive to rebuild because parts are getting scarce, and will need a good sized press. The 5 speed can be rebuilt in your basement if you so choose.

trksrfun

thats for the info tate.. so im guessing that the 5 speed would be a better choice seein as its cheaper to maintain and easier to do as well. knowing that it looks like im going with a 5 sp unless i find a truck with a rebuilt 6...