Your truck should have six lugs. At some point in the 70s I think two wheel drive 1/2 ton GM pickups went to 5 lugs. My '53 pickup and my '70 Blazer use the same drums front and back.
The rear axle bearings are fine if in good condition. Those old rear ends are pretty tough.
7.00-7:50X16 6ply tires will make it look like a real truck. Many years ago I ran 6:50x16 front and 7:00x16 on the rear with split rims. That was a great old work truck look. I just put 7.00x15 6 ply rated mud and snows on the rear for winter. I like the look and they do well on my 2 mile dirt road.
In '52-'53 Chevy went to Bendix brakes. They are better than the previous one and easier to adjust but I don't know if the conversion is worth it. I think everything from the backing plates out would have to be changed. I am trying to figure out if the '49 front drums will work with the later drums, part of my roadster build.
It is snowing here tonight.
