440 ID question???

[Ctcharger]

I just picked up a 440 and 727 combo.

It looks like the casting date on the block are 5  72 its kind of boogered so not easy to read.  The stamp at the intake reads like this

J440   X +(Maltese cross)

12  21 or 23 (i don't remember)

My question is; is this a 72 or 73 engine?  Is this internal or externally balanced?

I don't have the other casting numbers in front of me but could get them soon. 

Thanks in advance.

CT

[MOPARHOUND!]

J= 1973 model year vehicle

Block cast in May, 1972

Engine assembled December 21, 1972

Odds are it is a cast crank engine.

If the harmonic balancer is 1" thick (thin), it would be a forged crank.

If the harmonic balancer is the thick type, then it is a cast crank (externally balanced).

Also, check the torque converter for welded on weights.  If there, then it is a cast crank.

[Ctcharger]

thanks Moparhound.  I am pretty sure that it has the same balancer as my 66 383.  So that must be make it the externally balanced.

What does the X and the maltese cross mean?  Something about over or undersized crank?

Thanks

[MOPARHOUND!]

A '66 383 would have a thin balancer, and be internally balanced.  Actually, all 383's were internally balanced.

A maltese cross used in conjunction with an "X" indicates .010" undersize crank, per Galen Govier's white book.

[Ctcharger]

Thanks again Moparhound.  How thick would the externally balanced harmonic balancer be?  As I said I am pretty sure that the balancer on the 440 looks like my 383, about 1" thick.

[John_Kunkel]

'73 was the first year for the cast crank in a 440, if it had a cast crank it would have an "E" stamped on the data pad.

A TSB was issued late in '72 stating that the '73 HP engines would still get forged cranks and the standard performance could have either cast or forged.

[MOPARHOUND!]

Attached a pic, cast versus forged crank harmonic balancer for a 440. 

Saved this pic from Moparts.com.  Technically the label should read "forged 440" for the thin balancer. 

Another interesting tidbit, '73 and '74 Dodge trucks equipped with a 440 & manual transmission have yet to be found with a cast crank.

[firefighter3931]

I have seen a few 73 engines that had forged cranks. 


Ron

[Ctcharger]

Thanks guys, it definatly looks like a forged crank balancer.