My dad is picking up an old 60's or 70's ford dump truck for $700. It is a 4x6 (two rear axles) and has a gas 500 cubic inch V8. That is all I know about it so far. It has a spare engine too. I haven't gotten a chance to check it out yet but I think I'm going to go see it this weekend. I am just wondering if anyone can tell me something about the 500 CI V8. Is there any way this motor is based on a regular ford big block? Or is it just a big heavy worthless industrial engine? My dad wants to haul shit with it but if the engines are quality I might steal one for something more deserving.

Is it a 500 OR is it a 534?? Ford made a 534 that they used in tandem axle trucks in the 60's and 70's It had a 4.5 inch bore with a 4.2 inch stroke and produced 260 +- hp at 3200rpm and 480+- ft lbs torque at 1700 rpm.. As far as exchangability with other engines I am not sure but would think it would share some with the 460.

It probably is a 534...

If it is a tandem axle truck, it is a 6x4 (six wheel positions X four wheels powered).

The 477-534 engine family was the last of the big gas heavy truck motors, built from late 50s- mid 70s. It was well built and had incredible reliability, comparable to a diesel- fleets could get 250K miles out of them before overhaul.
It is a big, heavy TRUCK motor, great for a truck, not much use for anything else. No interchangability with the 460.
Let your Dad haul crap with it...

Thanks for the info guys. I figured that was the case but had to make sure!