The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Dana posi rearend in our '58 Apache 3100 2 w/d...possible NAPCO conversion?

was hoping someone could shed some light on our '58 Apache sb Fleetside with a Dana 45 rearend.

I'm in the process of rebuilding our pickup, and I've been wondering about its differential.

I've read it's a Dana 45 with limited slip and 3.92 gears. The diff needed rebuilding and I turned to Mike at MT Schiele (www.schieletransmission.com) to put in new clutches and bearings. Mike did a great job.

Here's my questions:

1.) Being a 2 wheel drive, did dealers offering NAPCO conversions offer a 'two wheel drive' package? If so, how unusual is such a build? (I have seen other posts by other members on other forums with the same differential as mine, but the standard line was...'that rearend was never offered by the factory.'

The rear came with a single overload spring on each side, and it looks like a quality, factory-type installation. Brake lines run down the inside of driver side frame rail - another NAPCO trait.


2.) My diff is a limited slip. I read that was only offered beginning in 1959 (I think I have that info correct).

Does anybody have any light they can shine on this subject?

Thanks in advance,

Tim3927

by 58 the 4x4 was factory .... 58 was the first year for that limited slip rear in Chevys [a GMC item I believe], and there were a couple different rear ratios started in 58 - also overloads were available on all trucks ... OTOH, no telling what's been done to a 55 year old truck

Bill

Thanks for the response, Bill. I had heard that GMCs used a DANA rearend, and offering them in the Chevy makes sense...

From the look of the installation, it appears to be factory.

I appreciate your input.

Tim