If it is an original Chevrolet car 1953 engine and transmission, it would be a 2-speed Powerglide transmission and a high-pressure 235 engine. The rear axles would have 5 wheel-lugs in the car (6 lugs in the truck)
The only domestic small truck that used a hydra-matic (not "hydro") transmission (4-speed) in 1953 was a GMC truck. There would have been an enclosed driveshaft on the 1/2 ton and a short enclosed driveshaft fitting on long-beds and on 3/4 ton and 1 ton GMCs (in '53).
