just getting into this truck thing just wondering what is a different between the 53-56 merc and fords?

 

Mainly the badging/emblems is the difference between Ford and Mercury trucks.
The 56 is the first year of the 12 volt system, the wrap around windshield ( different doors to match), first year for the big rear window.
The 53 and in Canada the 54 had the flat head engine.