Ok, I misread your intent. We're cool, new start. Welcome to the group. Stu

Thanks, Stu: appreciate it ! Have a good one !

Same, have a good day too. Stu

Have you had the front drive shaft mounted and tried out the pickup in four wheel drive? I think what Stu is saying, without putting words in his mouth, is that a 4wd vehicle with the front axle disconnected COULD be trouble. On an older, rarer 4wd such as that, I would be hesitant to purchase it without knowing the front axle is okay, unless I had access to a spare frontend.

As far as NAPCO Fords, I have pictures of a few F350s from the late 60s to early 70s that were converted. Haven't seen any F350 M-H conversions of that era.

Owen - I did a pretty fair job of putting words in my own mouth, and I guess my foot too. But yes, with no front shaft and lock out hubs you'd think it would drive like any two wheel drive truck.

I've got one archived pic of a '56 Napco, also I think it's a half ton but can't say that for sure. I also have several pics of M-H F-350s of the mid-year flavor. Stu

Good point. The previous owner had a new drive shaft built, but never installed it, and neither have I. At some point this winter, I will drain and replace fluids, connect it and keep my fingers crossed. Not in any hurry, though: think I have a lot of winter left. Will keep you guys posted when I test run her !

Really?????

Sorry Jake, but it's obvious that your first post here was indeed an attempt to sell the truck here.
and here

Now, with all that said, Welcome to FTE, if your original intent on joining here was just to sell the truck (as it appeared) I think you will find that this is really a very friendly site with a LOT of folks willing to help and guide anyone as well as supporting each others habit/addiction.

Thanks. Again, I may have got off to a rough start, but I do happen to have TWO '56s and neither is for sale. Think I will just lurk for awhile: this is a tough crowd !

Jake - normally we're really not a tough crowd. I can't speak for Joe, but selling in the forum sorta flips my switch. You've cleared that up, so 'nough said. Stu

hey, did you guys hear about the guy that went to an auction and didnt buy a MH, then bought it from the guy who bought it at the auction for four times the money???????? anyway..........i dig all the converted awd trucks from back in the day. MH, Coleman, Napco. if its old and AWD or FWD, its ok by me. that reminds me, gotta check with the neighbor, he said he knows where there is a 48 half ton MH. :-jammin

And a fine Merryman Herringbone it is! Stu

one of four know of right Stu! plus i have nine wheels for it that nobody thought i would find. Thanks again Stu. AKA Mr. Wheel!! now if i could only find those dang adapters.........never mind:-X19

Those adapters are sitting on the shelf in my shop. Waiting for you to pick them up. Stu

thanks again Stu. getting back on topic, i assume that MH took a rear axle, cut off the ends and welded in the spindles to creat a front drive. there in lies the problem with finding parts as the axles and spindle, drums, ect. are almost impossable to find as parts only. what did Napco use for a front drive axle? were they sourced from dana or built in house? anyone have a idea?