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I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed so I need some help figuring out what engine and rear end I have. I purchased a 1953 1/2 ton a few years ago and i'm just getting around to working on it. My problem is trying to ID the engine and the rear end.
The head on the engine is from a 1956-62 235. I've lookied for engine casting numbers in all the right places and can't find one. I've read all the posts and links for engine ID. The rocker cover is a four bolt and the side cover is a ten bolt. The water pump sits half above and half below the head gasket. I was told that its an early 52-53 block. The only numbers on the block are above the starter, CCN1 and K123. My other problem is trying to figure out the rear end. I'm sure its been swapped but don't know what I have. The casting numbers on the case are F102, D1301 and D01. Any advise out there in garage land?

First off If the water pump sits 1/2-1/2 between the block and head it should be a 216/235 from 54 and earlier.
Dont think 261,s had anything but the pump fully in the block for their run.
Could be wrong and i,m sure i,ll here from the wiser sage,s on the Page.
(Notice I did,nt say OLDER and wiser) :p
Get us a # off the boss behind the dizzy.
Does the lifter cover come up all the way around the plugs if so it,s a babbit pounder 216/235.
If she,s got a rectangular cover over the lifter gallery,and a 1/2 n 1/2 water pump I,m bettin it,s a Late 53 into 1954 235.

The K123 make it cast in Nov 12 1953 for use in a 54. That would make it a full pressure 235 or 261. 54 was the first year for 261s in big trucks. With the numbers to the rear of the distributor I can tell you if it is a 235 or a 261.

The numbers behind the distributor are 0012823T54X.

T54X ---> A '54 regular production Thriftmaster 235, built at Tonawanda, from a 3100 series truck.

The rear is probably not original. F102 is probably a casting date code, which would translate to June 10, 19_2. Could be '52 or '62 or... There should be a serial number stamped on the carrier somewhere that might help with identification.