Don't forget that the front driving axles were available on trucks nearly twenty years before that from manufacturers other than Northwestern Auto Parts Company.
The Marmon automobile company was struggling in the late 20s (and also won the 1st Indy 500 in 1911!) and brought in Arthur Herrington, a new partner who had extensive experience in military front drive axles to help them find a new direction. They were converting pickups and trucks in the early and mid 30s to 4 WD.
Cole, an approved supplier of front driving axles to GMC, also was around before the war as was Howe who was doing front drive axles conversions in the forties.
NAPCO is perhaps the most recognized by us GM guys, but them Phord guys were in bed with M-H almost 20 years before "us".
