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I passed up the 77 F600 4x4 I found the other day because I wanted more of a classic. I came across what is supposed to be a 1955 F350 with a 4x4 conversion done from the factory for the military, but by looking at the v.i.n. it looks like a F100; not a F350. It is also a short bed, and I have never known a F350 to be a short bed. I will post a couple photos with codes, and hopefully Bill or someone knowledgable will chime in to let me know if it's an authentic dealer 4x4 conversion, or if it's something someone stuck together. I love this bodystyle, and being rust free is a plus too... all input welcome. The story is it was purchased by the US Military from a dealership after the 4x4 conversion.
I came across what is supposed to be a 1955 F350 with a 4x4 conversion done from the factory for the military, but by looking at the VIN it looks like a F100; not a F350.
It is also a short bed, and I have never known a F350 to be a short bed. I will post a couple photos with codes, and hopefully Bill or someone knowledgable will chime in to let me know if it's an authentic dealer 4x4 conversion or if it's something someone stuck together.
Do not believe a single word that private sellers claim, as they lie just like used/new car dealers, lawyers, politicians and TV evangelists.
There were no factory 4WD conversions. F100/250's first available with factory installed 4WD in 1959, F350's in 1979.
Previous years, if the purchaser so requested, FoMoCo would send the truck out after it left the assembly line to be converted.
Usually this was performed by Marmon-Herrington (M-H), but since the truck was assembled in Long Beach, I doubt it was an M-H conversion since they were located in Indianapolis.
But, this did not occur for this truck, because there's no DSO (Domestic Special Order) code stamped on the Rating Plate.
So, this truck was sent out to be converted by a dealer or the purchaser. Or it's a cobbled together Frankenstein Monster with parts swapped from gawd only knows what.
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F10 = F100.
V = 239 2V Y Block.
5 = 1955.
L = Long Beach CA Assembly Plant.
11391 = 1955 Numerical Sequence of Assembly, the trucks specific serial number.
5,000 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
110" Wheelbase.
113.5 net HP @ 3,600 RPM
3 Speed Manual Transmission with Overdrive.
4.09 rear axle ratio.
S = Exterior Paint Color, not listed in parts catalog.
29L = Assembled November (L) 29, 1954.
LP296 = Production Code, cannot be decoded AFAIK
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If this truck was ordered by the US Gov't, the DSO code would be stamped 83 possibly followed by 4 additional numbers.
Is it an F100, F350, or? 1953/66 F350's have 6 lug wheels on a 7.25" bolt circle.
Compare the VIN on the Rating Plate with the hidden frame VIN and the VIN on the title to see if all 3 match.
I passed up the 77 F600 4x4 I found the other day because I wanted more of a classic. I came across what is supposed to be a 1955 F350 with a 4x4 conversion done from the factory for the military, but by looking at the v.i.n. it looks like a F100; not a F350. It is also a short bed, and I have never known a F350 to be a short bed. I will post a couple photos with codes, and hopefully Bill or someone knowledgable will chime in to let me know if it's an authentic dealer 4x4 conversion, or if it's something someone stuck together. I love this bodystyle, and being rust free is a plus too... all input welcome. The story is it was purchased by the US Military from a dealership after the 4x4 conversion.
FROM DATA PLATE
F10 = F100 - 1/2 Ton
V= 239ci 8Cyl 2BC Carburetor 1955
5 = 1955
L = Long Beach, CA
I will enclose more photos. The military used the truck supposedly to clear away logs from roads they were clearing. All the axles look original and heavy duty, but who knows. It could be Chevy running gear for all I know, but it appears to have the factory Y Block. They did say a Marmon Herrington expert stopped by and said the conversion was not done by Marmon Herrington. I wish we could decipher those axle codes. 4.09 gears seems awfully low for a half ton.
Looks like someone's project. The truck was originally a column-shift with overdrive. Definitely an F-100 originally. Every gov't services truck I've seen also has a brass Service Data plate on the dash.
I will enclose more photos. The military used the truck supposedly to clear away logs from roads they were clearing. All the axles look original and heavy duty, but who knows. It could be Chevy running gear for all I know, but it appears to have the factory Y Block.
They did say a Marmon Herrington expert stopped by and said the conversion was not done by Marmon Herrington.
I wish we could decipher those axle codes. 4.09 gears seems awfully low for a half ton.
This F100 came from the factory with optional 3 speed Overdrive and the standard equipment Spicer 44 rear axle w/4.09-1 ratio. I doubt either is still in place.
IMO, this truck had nothing to do with the US Gov't. While the Gov't would buy F100's, they wouldn't come with 3 speed Overdrive, would either have a 3 speed (no O/D) or 4 speed.
Trucks sold to the US Gov't would have 83 stamped on the Rating Plate and if a 4WD conversion, would have 4 additional numbers after 83 denoting a Domestic Special Order.
If a part or parts of the 4WD system failed, this would be the only way a dealer or gov't could order parts, because they wouldn't be listed in Ford truck parts catalogs.
Domestic Special Order: Dealer contacts FoMoCo with DSO number. FoMoCo looks up the order number, gives the dealer the source for the 4WD parts.
4WD conversion trucks I've seen here on FTE (and one in person), have plates riveted to the dash showing how to shift the 4WD
Plus Gov't trucks usually have a plate with an "In Service" date stamped on them, and other fall-der-all.
There's a fellow locally who has an 1953 or 1955 (cannot recall which) F100 4WD conversion.
He's a Colt & Winchester expert, works as a consultant for "Little John" Gangel, an antique firearms dealer/auctioneer located in Orange County.
His truck has front fender skirts and they are welded on. As I recall, it was a CA state truck, but I don't recall which state agency originally owned it.
When truckdog62563 (Stu) chimes in, you'll get more info, as he's the M-H expert here on FTE
Owner's son just went over and looked at the lugs. It is the standard 5 lug Ford bolt pattern. Also it does not have a fuel tank behind the seat. It only has one fuel tank secured under the bed
Haha I wasn't implying you said US Army Bill. I was thinking he had told me US Army, so I was clarifying that it was actually the Forestry Service. The Studebaker appears to be at the storage yard as well, but I don't know if it belongs to the seller. Those axles do look awfully large for a 1/2 ton. He did mention that when it's in 1st gear you can walk faster than the truck. Haha
If you look at the photo showing the rear bumper on the right it looks like overspray of forestry green. On the left ot looks like overspray of the grey primer....
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for the military, but by looking at the VIN it looks like a F100; not a F350. 
