Quote
rjstick
Interesting. So far from everything I've found this should have a NP435 and NP201. From my limited understanding it's only 4WD if I shift from 2WD to 4WD? It also has a Hi/Neutral/Low shifter. Keep both pushed forward and you're in High gear and 2WD.

With no lock-out hubs, you're still turning the front axle internals
in 2wd. With lock-outs, just your wheels are turning. If your axle
gear ratios are 4.88 or lower, you'll be winding the engine out pretty
good trying to make 60mph.



Wow thanks for the heads up. I have absolutely zero experience with relining shoes but will investigate locally. Are old shoes available out there that I could send off to have a spare set? As to the steering I guess I'll need to investigate to see what the options are. Perhaps again there are parts donors available for drag link ends or we could find some talented machinist to make some?

A local Sweptline friend of mine had some beefier linings made up
for his W300. The drums are made of "unobtanium".... so treat them
well. I've heard of some guys spray welding their drums and turning
them back to spec but have never seen a finished product. Perhaps its
something to investigate?

The steering box has a bearing pre-load adjuster. Its my understanding
that play cannot be remedied via the pre-load adjuster. You can check
with Bud Thorpe on steering box refurbishing as he's been rebuilding
boxes for a long time. If it can be rebuilt, he could likely assist.

As mentioned by others, your truck would have been originally equipped
with the NP420 tranny. These have no synchro into 2nd & 1st gears.

Nice looking '61 by the way! I believe someone on the other Sweptline
site posted a link to the ebay auction.... or was it Craigslist?
I'm a '61 Dart Truck owner myself.... I'm in the process of converting
my D200 to a W200. Good luck with yours.
John