Ran into a guy that has a '66 3/4 ton with a 406 and a four speed in it. He said the 406 never had pistons in it before he built it. I didn't get down to see if it was a cross bolted main 406 , but made him an offer on the truck. What are the strengths/weaknesses of the 406? I have a 390 sitting on the engine stand right now, but my truck has some serious cab floor rust issues, so I opened my mouth and asked if he would sell before I knew the whole story. Thanks, Jamie

 

This is gonna be an interesting thread.

I would make him prove it to be a 406 before I gave him a lot of money for a 406.

We all know folks put things in trucks but something as rare as a 406 in a 3/4 ton truck is a huge oddity. IMHO

What was it, 1962 when those monsters were introduced??





John

 

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406 was in production from 62.5 till 63.5. And of course there are specific parts to it and fairly easy to ID if it's an original production engine. In this case the casting numbers will say if it's a true HP 406 block. Heads and intake type as well. Now you can make a 406 out of anything that'll bore to 4.13 and a 3.78 crank stroke. So if your looking to spend pretty good money you want to know exactly what your getting. Good chance the block isn't crossbolted but it'll be solid lifter and cam only as all original 406's were. Shoot me a PM with your email addy. I'll send you some pics of what to look for from my old stuff here if you like.

 

The 406 did NOT use a 3.98" crank, the 428 did. The 406 use the 3.78" crank just like the HP 390 and the 427.

 

He said 3.78, Bear

 

I think I need new gasses, Sorry about that.