55.2-59 Just but a 56 3100 Napco

[1957Napcofan]

I joined this forum a few months ago but this is my first post. I just turned
60 and decided it was time to sell all my bikes (vintage 2-strokes) and hang
up my helmet. Had my first ride in a 57 Chevy Napco way back in 1980.
Since that time I always planed to own one myself someday. With nothing
in the garage to wrench on the time seemed right to search out a decent
truck worthy of a full restoration.

Found one 1200 miles away on craigslist and after many phone calls, sending someone to inspect it, and keeping my fingers crossed I bought it.
Truck spent most of its life in Alaska and has block heaters and another
one in the oil pan. It has a 350 4 bolt main motor that runs decent.
Trans and clutch work fine and brakes will at least stop it. The steering
linkage is shot and that's what got me to write this post. From reading and
research the tie rod ends on the center link seem different from the 2WD.
The thread diameter is 1" and not 7/8". So is there any chance I could
find replacements somewhere? Also is the drag link the same as a 2WD?

Plan on doing a complete restoration, just not sure what direction I'm gooing
to take it.

Thanks for any help guys, Ron

[sack54]

Hope to help you out with your Napco. First off Drag link is the same for 2 wd and 4 wd. The tie rod is quite different. Napco Had two different tie rod ends Yoke and Ball end. Yoke end would be solid tube with male threaded ends.Ball end would be hollow tube with female ends. Both ends are very hard to find.
Now your picture looks like a version of the yoke end ,but not like picture in my Napco book, I had my tie rod ends made by rare parts,check their site out. Need any help Send me a message. Does your front axle have Napco casted in the drivers side front left side ? and then a group of numbers ? let me know

[1project2many]

Very cool. I have wanted a NAPCO for years.

The tie rod ends Look similar to Ford New Holland tractor parts:


https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Tie-Rod...-/183112079250

No, it's not exactly the same but the large, integral clamps are generally found on low speed equipment.

[flashed]

Im in to see where this one goes ,Cool truck.

[1957Napcofan]

I found the tie rods on ebay. There from a Dodge Power Wagon.
I cleaned the old ones off and found the part numbers and even the paint
markings. Got a NOS set for $65. Also thanks for the info on the drag
link, just ordered that to.

[1project2many]

There from a Dodge Power Wagon.

The old ones definitely count as low speed equipment.