Allow me to throw some mud in the mix.
I have seen a '47-53 GMC (not sure which year) short bed truck with 8 lug split rims.
It had a 228 engine in it.
It had the u-joint ball like what is found in a 3/4 ton Chevrolet, and a two piece drive shaft. It had the carrier bearing mounted to a a factory riveted crossmember and there was no sign of frame shortening. It was a real head scratcher. I am kicking myself for not taking any pictures.
The truck was farm dirty and everything looked like it came that way.
GMC was known for making some odd trucks over the years, so who knows.
