Hello! I was originally bit by the Big Truck bug after buying a 1946 Farmall Tractor and then seeing some IH trucks at a local show. The IH parts are really hard to come by and , after my good experiences with my '69 F100 truck, was wondering about parts availability for older F600 trucks? I have found a '57 and a '66 F600 (both dumpers) for sale locally but I want to get a handle on parts availability for these things. '57 has a 292-Y and not sure on the '66... I am concerned about things like driveline (trans/bearings/wheels/axles), brakes, and steering components. I figure that the engines are pretty common and if the heat and wipers work and the trucks move down the road I should be good to go...so driveline and brake parts are, obviously, my biggest concern. I'm not too concerned about interior parts as I don't want a show-truck...I just want the thing to haul stuff.
With the IH trucks, things like drum brakes are impossible to find. Most guys have a spare truck or two they go to for parts. I like the comfort of knowing that if I can't source something used/junked that it is available new. Please chime in...I can't wait to get a heavy hauler but I want to be smart about it.

 

Oh...and do people do the usual thing with these trucks as well and put FE's and 302's in them? Do newer transmissions (AOD, etc...) adopt well to the F600 chassis??? Again, my goal for a large truck is originality...just curious about what is available...

 

IMO, if the 1966 is in better condition, buy it because parts (excepting brake drums) will be much easier to find.

All the cab and door/window weatherstrips are the same as 1961/66 F100/350 and are reproduced.

The '66 will likely have an FT engine, most common is the 330 2V Medium Duty, but also available: 330 2V Heavy Duty, 361 2V & 391 4V

You do not want a 302 or an FE engine in a 500 and larger series truck, no AOD either.

 

I’d also suggest that you do some Google time investigating the wheels on each truck. Strong possibility that one or both have the two part wheels today known as “widow makers”. The trade name for them is “Firestone RH-5°”. Google Images has many pictures. If one of the trucks, however, has tubeless 22.5” wheels you are probably looking at $1000 in cost avoidance selecting that one. Stu

 

Other than the wheels, what are the Top 3 hard to find parts...and what would be the Top 3 problems to look out for?