Ford F250 Long bed 8 cyl Y block. The serial # is F25V5D12977.
The Production Code is 4M DP439A. Rear axle = 4.86 HP = 118 @ 3600

My title says 1955, but my friends say the body is 1954. Who is right?

 

Tom,
1955. The fifth number is a '5'. Also the sixth digit is 'D', meaning it was assembled in Dallas, TX. It originally came with a 223 ci. six.
Your friend is partially right in that the sheetmetal is mostly the same 53-55, with the grill being the obvious difference. The '54 grill runs straight across with two dagmars running down lined up with the frame. 55 grills make sort of a loop with a pronounced 'v' dip dip right in the middle.
Good Luck,
Brett

 

 

Yes, the VIN code indicates a 1955. You can check for yourself at this website, that decodes the VIN numbers for you:http://www.classictruckshop.com/id_ford_5354.asp

-G.B.