So, the insurance company totalled my truck although the visual damege doesn't justify it. I currently plan to buy it back and fix it. I'm looking for an engine. The block (53) is cracked and I think this is a good time to replace it. So, I'm looking for suggestions and sources for a used or rebuilt motor. Or should I go with a new short block? I don't know how much they're going to offer me yet but want to explore my options before then. Thanks

I would try to find a good low mileage 24v or even a p-pumped 12v.

Any suggestions on sources?

There was a guy on CF a few weeks agao with a good block for $50 before he scrapped it, I doubt if he still has it though. There is a wrecking yard in Canton Texas called Meyer's and he usually has complete engine's I dont know how much shipping would be for one though. http://myersautosalvage.com/

Just my two pennys here but I would not by from a wrecking yard. I went to a yard and they told me yea this motor came out of our yard truck and it only has 87k on it for 3k. I look on the oil filter and it says due 337k :lmao:Thanks but no thanks. It took me a while but found one on CL out of a wrecked truck. I still wished I would have built one.

Are you getting a "salvaged" title after you buy it back? Not that it will interfere with rebuilding the truck. But, it might make it harder to sell later.

I would assume once an adjuster deems a vehicle totaled it will have a salvaged title. Not that big of a deal if you plan on keeping it. Just keep your receipts on the repairs in case you want to sell it later. Ins companies will often total an older vehicle with not alot of damage just cause it's not in Their best interest to pay for the repairs.

I saw this ad in an LA area listing on craigslist when I was trolling earlier in the week. I can't vouch for the details here but there is a phone number you can call if this might be of some help for you. Good luck with the truck. http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/pts/2717057079.html 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 cummins 5.9L 24 valve diesel engine. Took out of truck at 68,000 miles. Truck was totaled. These engines are known to go over 500,000 miles. $3000. Engine block is numbered 55 also known as storm block. Strongest cummins block. Not the 53 block which is known to crack near freeze plugs. Comes complete with engine wire harness and main fuse box harness and fuse box, computer, alternator, vacuum pump/power steering pump, fuel injector pump and lines, exhaust manifold. Also for sale a professionally freshly rebuilt 0 miles since rebuild HX35 selling HX35 for $300. P7100 Fuel pump drive gear, front timing housing and cover. I was going to install ARP head studs, and make a high horsepower motor, but funds dried up with the new baby. Brand new head gasket kit never used. Was going to make a race engine and put studs, but need to sell because baby on the way. New water pump never mounted. and other parts. Power steering pump. Was going to install into a Ford, but baby on the way and need money. Make an offer for it all. scott 213-249-6670 call or text located in 90004 zip code.

Are you getting a "salvaged" title after you buy it back? Not that it will interfere with rebuilding the truck. But, it might make it harder to sell later.

Yes it will but I plan to drive it until the wheels fall off...even then I'll probably buy new wheels.

So, the insurance company totalled my truck although the visual damege doesn't justify it. I currently plan to buy it back and fix it. I'm looking for an engine. The block (53) is cracked and I think this is a good time to replace it. So, I'm looking for suggestions and sources for a used or rebuilt motor. Or should I go with a new short block? I don't know how much they're going to offer me yet but want to explore my options before then. Thanks

New beefed up block $1500 from frieghtliner,bearings,rings,gaskits $1000,headwork $400. Rebuilt mine,used same pistons,cam(guts,hard parts) one week! at 450k,pulls better now she's got broke in!

Ok, I finally got my settlement check and am looking forward to getting my truck back. The repair shop found me an engine with a 60 block. Since having a 53 block, I don't want to run into any issues like that in the future. Is there an issue with 60 blocks? Are they from a good source? Just looking for the warm fuzzy before buying it. Thanks

The only block Ive ever heard of having problems is the 53 block so im going to assume the 60 block should be just fine!-Jordan-

Will everything from the 01 bolt up to the newer block?

They say it's from an 00 but that's a good question. Answers?

The blocks were not used in any order... my 01.5 has a 56 block but they are all over the place. There were changes in the electronics.