Hi Larry
Is this the critter you are talking about?
http://www.milweb.net/classifieds/classpics/59364s.jpg
According to what I've read they where militarized versions of commercial trucks sold to the military, from various sources, I've seen photos of vary similar vehicles by most Common Wealth Nations. A visually identical truck was also used my most if not all US Forces.
As to lend lease to Russia I don't know.
Cheers Phil