I just bought a 99 dodge 3500 4x4 auto trans with the beloved 53 block. I bought it knowing it was cracked. Bought an engine out of a 2001 less than 100k miles. Does not have a crank sensor. Wanted to switch cranks from the 99 to the 01 to utilize tone ring. Are the cranks the same . The blocks are the same ( 2001 doesnt have crack) would think would work no problem. Thanks. New to forum but not Dodge trucks. 1990, 1991, 1994, 1997 and now the 1999. All with cummins and 4x4.

 

I'm pretty sure the hole for the sensor is in the block.

Crank will fit no problem, but before you jump that far in, check the 2001 crank and see if its machined so the tone ring can be bolted in. Either way you wind up doing it, I recommend either locktite the existing fasteners or order new ones from cummins. I'm one of the few that have had a tone ring come loose and blow up in the engine.

 

Thanks, The hole is there. HAve not pulled the pan yet. Waiting to see what the salvage yard has to say about warranty. Not expecting much, but thought it may be worth checking. Had originally thought about converting to 12v engine, but thought I would have to many issues being an automatic. Any experience with this.

 

I converted my 2000 6 speed to a 12 valve. Mechanically its a piece of cake, electrically it is definitely tricky. Some people use the 24 valve sensors and electronics. I found a 98 12 valve PCM and wiring harness and that's what I used in mine. Only thing is the check engine light is always on.

 

Have not been able to figure out what to do about TPS and Engine load to make the auto trans work right. Will try to figure it out for a later project. Have the engine out of 94 2wd that finally gave up. Engine still great, trans and body gone. Too many days in a tobacco field. Thanks.