1943 Federal 606 7-1/2 ton 6x6 Drive Around the Block

Here is a ride along in the big Federal. This truck is powered by a 855 ci Hercules HXD engine with a 5 speed overdrive transmission. With 10:22 to one rear ends there is no need to downshift below 4th gear. The camera was a little bit shaky.

[@curtekstrom9531]

The stories that best could tell.

[@kaptainkoolz6359]

more videos! this thing is seriously cool. Do you have info about the drivetrain, history, etc?

[@Liberator74]

Nice ‘43 model!

[@chrismurnane6389]

Glad you checked the Oil pressure before you moved off. But you started the engine with your foot on the clutch pedal depressed to the floor before the engine even turned with no oil pressure! Think about what is happening in side at the crankshaft thrust bearing! While the engine is cranking and running until oil gets to the plane bearing thrust surfaces!!!

[@whitewb28t87]

Apparently I've ruined a lot of thrust bearings. To quote directly from the operators manual for this truck, "Push clutch pedal all the way down and hold down until engine starts. This is very important".

[@shandfan]

That 855 HXD was the original 6 cyl gasoline....I take it??

[@whitewb28t87]

It was replaced at some point, but it is the same as the original, as is the rest of the drivetrain.

[@shandfan]

@@whitewb28t87 Yeah, as you know.....the heaviest trucks(Federal,DiamondT,Ward La France) had been "dieselized" in wartimes,say 1943.With Hercules or Cummins,even Waukesha manufactured diesels at later times.
Dodge(WC)and GMC kept their gas engines.As did COE's Ford F60 and Chevvy

[@357bullfrog9]

I like that ! Show more of her. Are you gonna restore it or just use it as is?

[@email4664]

Smooth, for what it is, and sounds strong enough-

[@recnepsgnitnarb6530]

Yeah, inline sixes are inherently balanced. With 855 cubes, it's going to be a torque monster.

[@stevenpovlis3105]

How many speeds in the transmission?

[@whitewb28t87]

5 speed with OD on top, and a 2 speed transfer case.