ok thanks guys I was on the Fence about this one and ill just pull it apart next weekend
I have one other question now tho BUBBA said that I might be drilling into an updated cover???
How might I tell what I have once its off. my truck was bulit 12-98 and sold as a 99
and should i check anything else.

 

That is the eternal question with no answer. The only way to tell is to pull the covor and look at the backside of it. Been a thousand guy's thought they had the answer but exceptions have been found to every rule.

Somewhere on this site we had a member post a copy of a receipt for repair from the Dodge dealer to fix his dad's 02 that the pin fell out of.

 

There is a great thread on DTR showing the tab procedure:

http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/d...h-t143355.html

 

That would be Dave (Fishin2Deep4U)

 

I was asking if there is anything else to payattition to once its apart other than the dowel pin??
and whats the 53 bolck anyway to tell???
sory for the confushion

 

Once you get it apart - tab it anyway - if you have the stepped cover you will be able to tell if it doesnt go back together properly. Make sure you use Loctite (blue probably). Next will be the rest of the bolts that hold the timing case on. Remove them one by one, clean it with brake cleaner, allow to dry, apply loctite and reinstall. Some of the bolts may not be accessible and you may have to turn the engine over some to get to them.

#53 block info is here - including some pics of mine:

53 Block FAQ and Information

 

thanks Doc nice link
But when you say ''if you have the stepped cover you will be able to tell if it doesnt go back together properly''
What do you mean by this will I need a different cover?? Or dose this mean I have a 53 block??

 

The newer style cover won't work with a tab kit. Once you install the tab kit the new cover won't fit flush on the front of the motor because of the tab holding it out.

I wasn't smart enough to do it but maybe one of you other guy's gettin ready to do this can take some pics of the back side of this cover to show others what they look like.