Something is very strange, curious what it looks like apart.
My guess is something broken and not worth it or safe to repair, probably looking for replacement parts.
Without seeing more it’s hard to tell what’s going on though.

•1951 GMC 250 in the Project Journals
•1948 Chevrolet 6400 - Detroit Diesel 4-53T - Roadranger 10 speed overdrive - 4 wheel disc brakes
•1952 Chevrolet 3800 pickup
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"First, get a clear notion of what you desire to accomplish, and then in all probability you will succeed in doing it..." -Henry Maudslay-