Auto Parts: engine number location, vin code, cam chain

Question
Iam replacing an engine in a 1997 ford e-150 with a rebuilt from ford, i need to find the engine number, could use some help.  Thanks.
[5.4 Triton]

Answer
    When you say the engine number, do you mean the serial number, the block casting number, or the VIN code?  The block casting number should be on the side of the block adjacent to the starter motor.  The serial number is usually stamped into a pad on the front of the cylinder head.  I've never looked for one on a Triton engine, it may be behind the cam chain housing, although that would be dumb, in my opinion.  The VIN code is the eighth digit of the VIN, reading from left to right.  If Ford is asking you for a number, the least they could do is tell you what they want and where it is located.  If they can't do that, then you should do business with another dealer, 'cause that is stuff they should definitely know.
    On the subject of rebuilt engines...  If you can afford to wait, and a lot of people can't, especially those who work their trucks, get your existing engine rebuilt at a local machine shop.  The price will be about the same, but production line methods will not be applied.  Actual people whose reputation rides on the quality of their work will do the job and it should last a good deal longer than a factory rebuilt.  If you had seen some of the horrid shortcuts that these factory rebuilders take (Bondo?  I mean, really), as I have, you would never go that route.