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What kind of 4X4 axle would fit on my 1959 GMC truck? i would like to make it 4x4

Find NAPCO running gear and convert your truck to 4x4 in about 3 hours... that's what the brochure said. I've done it by myself in a couple days. Now that I've done it a couple times, I figure I could get it done in about 5 hours.

George

George is right. It is the easiest way.

were am i going to find that , you dont find these truck at every corner up here

Find on internet and pay for shipping. In AZ about $2000-$3000 for complete chaissis/drivtrain. You know you need the axle, springs (front and back) transfer case and mounting, front drive shaft, shifter lever. And about $1000 to ship to Canada. If you have the money I will find you one. I have converted one to 4X4 but prefered the modern drivetrain (more than 5 hrs, more than couple days) But more reliable and open knuckles and 205NP case (the best available stock case). Easier to find modern stuff and cheaper and modern bearings, etc.

Napco 4x4. Check this site out. Lots fo good information on Napco and other early GM 4x4s, plus there's a classified section that does have several complete and parts Napco trucks listed.
To add to what bartamos said, going late model will be easienst as far as aquiring parts, but the late model axles will be wider that the Napco axles. Plus there will be some fabrication involved to adapt the steering box and a mount for the 'case.

Beausejour, there is a great article in this month's Vintage Truck mag about a 55 (second series) Napco Suburban. Great information. Hey George (Napco man), is that yours by chance? That truck is Sweeeet!!
(putting two and two together ?)

Out of curiosity, would an axle/t-case out of a Jeep Wrangler work in the older trucks? I was thinking they would be narrow enough with much after market support. Or are they too weak?

It might work, would have to measure one to be sure. If you were to use one, get it out of a Rubicon edition Wrangler, they use Dana 44s instead of the 35, which would be far too weak for full size truck, plus they have a much stronger t-case. You would want both axles, not only to keep the gears right, but to have matched brakes and wheel bolt pattern (5 x 4.5).
Personally, if I were to build one (an I did consider it, even had a bare chassis spotted at a local salvage yard), I would look for either a 3/4 ton Dana 44/ Corp. 14 bolt or a 1 ton Dana 60/Corp. 14 bolt combo with either an NP 205 or 203 t-case. I know it's overkill, but like they said in the first Cannonball Run movie, "If you're going to be a bear, be a Grizzly!".

Yes, that is my suburban in Vintage Truck and thanks for the compliments.

George

My 53 was put on a 69 jeep wagoner frame with a 4x4 setup by the previous owner. They entire drivetrain was jeep. Sold the entire frame and drivetrain to a gentleman in N.Carolina that wante to convert his 52 to a 4x4

ive got my 1953 on a 1964 chevy truck 4x4 frame. tires are are not really wide but fit under the truck pretty good.maybe use a 4x4 axle from the 60s.and i too have seen people use a jeep set up and the tires didnt stick out too bad

or have an axle built to the width that you want.

That can get expensive, depending on what you have built into the axle (gear ratio, lockers, etc). Last I checked, you'ld be looking at around $1500 for a basic open steer axle. If you're looking to do any sort of off roading or possibly plowing, might be worth it, though.
Another option would be to narrow the axle(s) yourself, if you have the necessary skills. You might take a look at 4X4 Xtreme on the Power Block website. Ian Johnson has done several axle conversions like this, mostly using Dana 60s, but the concept is the same.