http://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big%20Smile.gif Bought a 99 Patriot blue 4x4 extended cab long box auto today. 132000 miles and is as solid as it was when it left the show room. I paid $14,500, paint is great, drives and sounds great. I'm not happy it's a auto but for the price I felt I couldn't go wrong. It seems to be 100% stock, other then chrome grill guard,chrome rockers and chrome bug defleckters. Being a newbie what do I look for as for tranny problems and also where do i find the block #s. Any other info would be appreciated. Thanks!!

Sounds nice. Don't fret the tranny. As long as you are stock, run it and don't worry about it. The majority of the 98-2000 engine blocks are the 53's, Brazil does the majority of the casting. The numbers are at least an inch high, behind the oil filter, just above the oil pan. If it doesnt have the big 53 - it isnt a 53.

http://www.stamey.nu/Truck/Images/PicOf53Large.JPG