Thanks for the reply. I mainly wanted to translate the engine serial number to the VIN out of curiosity. I also thought that might help nail down the year of the engine.
I didn't realize it before, but you're right. That "54" in the middle of "F54XA" does stand out. Maybe that's why I've been having trouble getting parts for a '53 engine to fit just right.
The truck was originally sold in Mississippi or Alabama (I forget which now, but I think it was Mississippi). Fortunately, it was titled under the VIN so I don't have to worry about the different engine number.
