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What was first model year of factory-offered (not NAPCO) 4 X 4 on 1/2 ton chassis please

In 1956 the NAPCO conversion had the blessing of Chevrolet and sold through Chevrolet dealers.

My 1959 Truck Data Book shows 1/2 ton 4X4 trucks with the following Model numbers and no mention of NAPCO

Model 3154 short step side
Model 3184 short Fleetside

I don't seem to be missing any pages but there is no mention of long bed 4X4 1/2 ton trucks. There is also no mention of them in the Load Capacity Chart at the front of the book.

Mike

My information says that 1957 was the first year for 4 wheel drive to become a factory installled option (number 690).
Was available on 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton trucks in chasis and cab, pick-up,and panel and suburban and 1 ton stake trucks. Not available on the 1/2 ton 3200 long bed pick-up. This continued throgh 1959.
In 1960 the 4 wheel drive trucks became a special line of trucks called the K series and this continued on until today.

As an aside try to find a 2018 two wheel drive long bed crew cab 2500 HD diesel. All but a few work trucks, two LTs and one LTZ at dealers in the USA. All the rest are 4x4. There are a few more 6.0 liter gas but not many. Only a few more than the zero in 1957! So even today the vast majority are short bed trucks.

Now how 'bout a discussion on the crew cab option? Guess we should open another thread for them.

When I bought my last two trucks, I had to order one to get a standard cab and two wheel drive. I live in a very flat part of Ohio. No need to drag around the extra weight of a front drive and transfer case. In 60 years of driving I have never been stuck. I also think tire wear is bad on 4X4s and maintenance and brake jobs are more money. If I lived on a farm or in hilly country I might get one.

The first crew cab (extended cab) I can find is for 1973 3/4 and 1 ton trucks. That was also the first year of a new body.

I will post in the crew cab thread so we don't contaminate this one with another subject.

1960 GM started building their own 4x4 trucks in 6 lug, 1/2T and 8 lug, 3/4T, etc. - Dana 44 differential, passenger side drop, with closed knuckles. 1960 - 1966 used the Rockwell T-221, divorced transfer cases.
Prior to 1960, you could order a NAPCO Power-Pak conversion kit and install it in your truck. Starting in 1957 you could order the NAPCO conversion from GM (line built). NAPCO front axles have NAPCO cast into the axe tube, were passenger side drop, and closed knuckle design. Transfer case in the '55 - '59 was the Spicer 23.

Trucks '54 and earlier (Chevy and GMC) had a drivers side drop and were originally done on the 3/4T, 8 lug and heavier trucks that had open drive lines. I've only seen one early Chevy truck and it a '53 long bed with the NAPCO conversion. Transfer cases for these early drive side drop axles I believe were a Rockwell but not the T-221.