Tommy,

You might want to post links to photos.

Here is a description of the original 1/2 ton enclosed driveshaft u-joint assembly/components.
The same description and illustration is shown in 47-54 shop manuals.
It uses bushings rather than needle bearings.

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1948_51truck/51ctsm0451.ham

Maybe a different style u-joint assembly was used as a replacement over the last 50+ years?