My 1999 Dodge Ram 3500 QC/4WD
 

Here is an update on my Mojo 3500 Ram. I was grateful to locate a 2002, 5.9L Cummins in Georgia. It had everything except the Alternator and Starter, and came out of a 2002 Dually. All this was to replace the 53 Cummins 5.9 Block (53) that cracked while enroute on Spring Break pulling a Travel Trailer. That Georgia Cummins had 192K on it, and the seller said that it was running, so I bought it and brought it up to Indianapolis. I had the lower end rebuilt at a performance shop, but suffered a setback when it was discovered that the #5 & #6 cylinders had water above the pistons. Apparently the previous owner of this engine had it sitting outside without the valve cover on. So then I had to have the whole engine rebuilt (bored .020 over, new Cummins pistons/rings, and the rest of the fixins to the head -stronger head studs/Cheetah Turbo), and so much more. I'll hold onto the 53 Block for all the parts, and place it on a buff engine stand, for a later rebuild. I blame myself for not doing research on that 53 block that developed a 2.5" crack below the freeze plugs on the pass sd of the engine. But once I get this awesome Dually back, then our Family camping is able to resume!

I have heard of cracks like that being repaired my old man brazed a water jacked crack on a 6.9 years ago and it went down the road for many years after that

1999 Dodge Dually
 

Adam, in using this Mojo Dually for pulling the Travel trailer (8K lbs), I wanted to get away from the 53 Block completely. Mine cracked 2.5 inches, and I've others cracking as much as 6 inches. The cost of a reliable repair, totally astounded me, and I still didn't trust the durability. I couldn't trade mine in for a Rebuilt, because the core was worthless. I'm grateful that I found a used Cummins, and when it is done I'll have an engine that should provide: 350 - 500K miles.
I upgraded to a Cheetah Turbo and stronger head studs. I had my VP-44 put on this 2002 5.9, so I'll have the VP-44 off the 2002 rebuilt. I just have to do research where I can have it done properly with a solid warranty. Prior to all this, I installed an Air Dog II - 165 on this Dodge. What a great improvement it made.:tu:

not all 53 blocks crack. sucks that you had one of the 53's that did...

hopefully you got a 56 block as a replacement... 55 blocks are no better than the 53 blocks as I have seen a few cracked 55 blocks as well.

my 53 has 239k on it and still no cracks. for the first 175k miles it towed heavy gooseneck trailers on a regular basis with the original owner. and since I've got a hold of it, it has had it's hp and torque more than doubled and is holding up to it just fine. :tu:

Rock on jigabop! That Cummins 5.9L, that I bought in Georgia was out of a 2002 Dodge 3500, and had 192K on it. I'm having the whole engine re manufactured (.020 over), with the head redone. I went with a Cheetah Turbo, and stayed with my '99 VP-44, with an Air Dog II - 165 installed. I opted to have tougher head studs installed as well. It appears this is a Storm Block cast in Mexico. With this being done, we will be able to resume our Family camping trips when I'm off duty! Thanks for the feedback!

might get the head O-ringed as well if you are having that much work done to it. can't imagine it costing much more...