There was a Vehicle serial number and an Engine serial number.
The Vehicle serial number indicates the size/series of the truck.
The engine serial number indicates what size truck the engine was in.

1946 engine information.

216 was the standard engine on trucks up to the 5000 series.

A 235 was standard on 5000 and 6000 series trucks (2-ton).

Ed is most likely referring to his 2-ton truck?

Tim
1954Advance-Design.com
1954 3106 Carryall Suburban
1954 3104 5-window pickup w/Hydra-Matic
The 216 and early 235 engines are not "splash oilers" -- this is a splash oiler.