Caterpillar 3406E Connecting Rods & Related Components

The Caterpillar 3406E is one of the most trusted heavy-duty engines in the world, widely used in trucks, industrial machines, oilfield equipment, and marine vessels. Inside this powerhouse, the connecting rod is the critical link between the piston and the crankshaft, converting combustion energy into rotational force. To ensure reliability, every component of the connecting rod assembly—including the rod itself, bolts, nuts, bushings, and bearings—must be carefully selected and maintained.

Diesel Pro Power offers a full line of connecting rods and related hardware for Caterpillar 3406E engines, engineered for OEM-quality performance and long service life.

Connecting Rod Assemblies for Caterpillar 3406E

The connecting rod must handle the extreme loads of combustion while maintaining alignment between the piston and crankshaft. For the 3406E, connecting rods are typically available in wide taper designs to handle higher stress at the crankshaft end.

• Direct Injection Rods – Built for engines with direct injection fuel systems, offering extra durability under high horsepower.

• Wide Taper Options – Designed to provide added strength where the rod meets the crankshaft journal, reducing wear and extending engine life.

• OEM Dimensions – Machined for precision fitment to maintain engine balance and smooth operation.

Connecting Rod Bolts for Caterpillar 3406E

Rod bolts secure the connecting rod cap to the body of the rod. Because they are constantly under tension, rod bolts should always be replaced during an overhaul.

• High-Tensile Strength Bolts – Designed to resist stretching under extreme combustion forces.

• Two Bolts per Rod – Every connecting rod requires a pair of bolts to ensure secure clamping.

• Precision Fitment – Manufactured to match Caterpillar 3406E specifications.

Connecting Rod Nuts

Rod nuts hold the bolts in place and ensure the rod cap remains secure during engine operation.

• Wide Taper Rod Nuts – Designed specifically for wide taper rods used in 3406E applications.

• Standard Rod Nuts – Common across the Caterpillar 3400 series, providing secure fastening in all rebuilds.

• Recommended Replacement – Always replaced alongside bolts to ensure proper clamping force and prevent loosening.

Connecting Rod Bushings

The bushing inside the rod provides a smooth bearing surface for the piston pin. A worn or undersized bushing can lead to piston misalignment and top-end damage.

• Heavy-Duty Bushings – Engineered to support high loads in Caterpillar 3406E applications.

• Precision Machining – Ensures correct piston pin fit and proper oil clearance.

• Durability Under Load – Designed to last through long operating hours in harsh environments.

Connecting Rod Bearings

Rod bearings sit between the crankshaft journal and the connecting rod, allowing smooth rotation while carrying immense pressure. Diesel Pro Power offers both standard size and oversize options for Caterpillar 3406E engines.

Standard Size Bearings

• Used when the crankshaft journal remains within factory tolerances.

• Available in both narrow and wide configurations to match specific rod styles.

Oversize Bearings

• Designed for engines where the crankshaft has been machined undersize during a rebuild.

• Available in multiple oversize increments such as .010", .025", and .050".

• Oversize bearings restore proper oil clearance and prevent metal-to-metal contact.

Why Correct Rod Components Are Essential in a 3406E Rebuild

When overhauling a Caterpillar 3406E, the connecting rod assembly should always be inspected and replaced where necessary. Common issues with worn or damaged rods include:

• Vibration and Knock – Caused by misaligned rods or worn bearings.

• Bearing Failure – From improper clearances or fatigued bolts.

• Catastrophic Engine Damage – In severe cases, a broken rod can puncture the engine block.

By using new, high-quality rods, bushings, bolts, and bearings, you extend the life of your 3406E and maintain peak reliability.

Why Order Caterpillar 3406E Connecting Rod Parts from Diesel Pro Power

• 40,000+ Satisfied Customers Worldwide – Trusted by fleets, marine operators, and equipment owners.

• OEM-Quality Standards – Every rod and component is built to match or exceed factory specifications.

• Dedicated Catalog – Focused specifically on the 3406E and other Caterpillar 3400 series engines, eliminating guesswork.

• Fast Global Shipping – Minimize downtime with rapid order fulfillment anywhere in the world.

• Expert Support – Our team can guide you in choosing the correct rods, bearings, or hardware for your rebuild.