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does anyone know where i can buy parts to rebuild my napco axle and i would like to put power steering and disk brakes on it is this doable?

What parts do you need to rebuild the axle? E-Bay has kits for the transfer case listed all the time and every once in a while you'll see trunnion bearing kits for the front end. A lot depends on the year of the axle; '55 or earlier- very rare; '56 through mid '57- hard to find, but not too bad; 'mid '57 to '59- pretty easy to find. I have a lot of extra parts depending on what you need.

As for power steering, one of the NAPCO trucks I bought had power "assisted" steering. Someone had cobbled-up a cylinder and attached it from the frame to the drag link and put in a Cadillac power steering pump. It was like the steering system on a tractor. I don't know if it worked good, because I never drove the truck. I'm sure a regular system could be put in if you find a power steering gearbox and modify the column.

Disc brakes would be a tough task. A lot of NAPCO owners dream of that mod, but I've never heard of it being done. Good luck on your truck.

Take care, George

I installed two sets of 3.38 ring & pinion gear sets from Patricks. Not a rock climber I know, but I wanted to be able to cruise on the highway a little easier. I also have a newer three speed OD trans to assist in that process. To give it a little more punch with the 3.38 gears, I now have a "warmed-over 283." However, I did just acquire a 348 that will be rebuilt and replace the 283. I haven't got to the point where I have driven the vehicle, so I can't say how this will work out. I bought all the bearing and bushings for the differentials, axles and transfer case from an outfit that seems always to be selling on eBay. I have never seen disc brakes for a NAPCO either, but you could check the NAPCO site, they have a link here. The person who runs it is very helpful. Power steering for a NAPCO truck is a good idea, the stock setup (uses generator mounting) seems to be pretty rare. I haven't seen any feedback on success with conversions. I'm hoping since the 283 is lighter than than 261 it replaced, that the steering becomes easier. I'm with Napco Man, enjoy the truck, it is unique.

Here's a guy who converted his Napco front axle to disk brakes. I'm the one who asked the last question about how he has the caliper attached:

http://napco4x4.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=507

I got all my bearings and seals from a local bearing shop or Napa, and my brake parts from a vintage Studebaker place, and some trunnion shims from the Vintage Powerwagon guys.

My truck is pretty easy to steer with tall skinny tires and a big steering wheel.

thanks for the info I'm not a member of napco owners group yet just starting the restoration on my 57 and trying to gather parts hope to have pics soon
ps i love stovebolt thanks