I have a 1957 Chevy 1/2 ton NAPCO tuck. It has a 1965 Chevy 348 "W" engine installed. Not being satisfied with the torture that install inflicted, I'm installing power steering and an IDIT column. I'm using a CPP steering box (part of their power steering install kit). My pickup was not an original NAPCO, I installed the NAPCO components myself.
My question is this: my truck has appears to have large turning radius (I think it turns the same amount in either direction although I never really tested that). I'm wondering if I have the wrong drag link. Mine measures 17 inches which I think is the normal length. The Pittman arm is located approximately 30 degrees (downward) to the back of the truck when the steering is centered. If I had a shorter drag link, the Pittman arm could be mounted in a vertical position. Or is this the way it should be? Thanks for your help. don
I have seen one '57 NAPCO. It came from the factory with the riveted on transfer case crossmember. The pitman arm was clocked exactly as you describe that yours in clocked. I am suggesting that would be correct for a '57 NAPCO. You can probably expect to lose some turning radius with the power steering upgrade, BTW.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
Don, this is a 1 ton with the CPP kit utilizing the factory column. Drag link is 17” and pitman is slightly to the rear just off 90 deg. This is a 1 ton but I believe my 1/2 tons are the same. I’ll try to get out this weekend and snap pictures. Pat
58 1 ton Napco 59 1/2 ton Napco 58 1/2 ton Napco 55 1 ton 9’ bed 58 3/4 ton stepside 55 LCF boom truck (3) 57 2 tons
FYI: Thanks for the replies, very helpful. I did order an adjustable drag link, so when it arrives I will give that a try. However, I probably will only try it in the garage with the front end raised. Right now we are getting a lot of snow here in Minnesota and I don't take my truck out in the winter unless the roads are fairly clear (odd, I know, since it is a 4WD, sort of a rhinestone cowboy mentality I guess). don
