Some reasonably new trucks still run 6 lug Budd wheels. I see a number of UPS and FedEx trucks with them and 22.5 tires, also some school busses.
If that first axle does not have a desirable ratio keep looking, you'll find a newer one that does, and probably with better brakes and easy to get parts.

Grigg

•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-