Hello guys. New to the forum but not to Ford engines.
Picked up a 410 and was tearing it down. When removing the pistons and rods, there were several broken rings--maybe 5-6 pistons worth--all the top and second ring. Lot of miles on it I'm sure but it more than likely had been refreshed at some point as the head gaskets didn't appear to be factory and it has brass freeze plugs.
The gentleman I bought it from said it made a knocking or tapping sound on his way home from work one day pulling a hill but was quiet the rest of the way. He parked the truck after that and pulled the 410 and replaced it with a 390. Said the 410 always ran great with a lot of power. All the rod bearings look good with only one showing some copper.
Any Ideas why there would be so many broken rings?
There was a bit of a ring ridge I pushed the pistons through removing them but have done that before with other engines and not had any rings come out in several pieces like these did.

Thanks for any input.