Every 3/4 ton i've ever seen has eight lug wheels, and all the 1/2 tons have had 6 lug wheels like '53 says.
The 3/4 ton trucks are usually 4 on the floor, and the 1/2 tons are three on the trees.
3/4 tons had provisions for a side mounted spare, if i'm not mistaken.. the 1/2 tons didnt have that feature in '51 (the 1/2 spares went under the bed)
The best way to tell is to get the serial number off the drivers door jamb and type it into the VIN Cruncher found
here .
