How To Determine Year of Ford 5500
My response is late but I've been working on my 5500 for months now.
I have a 5500 that I have been restoring and working with on my property.
There is a boss on the right side of the transmission housing, just above/behind the starter that has the serial number of your machine. The number is stamped on the top surface of the boss and is probably covered with years of filth. Use carb or brake cleaner and scrub.
There are several sets of numbers, mine reads C200XXX (Xed out for privacy) then 8D10B the 8D10B translates to 1968 (8), April (D), 10 (tenth), B (day shift).
The year really doesn't matter much since the 5500's are pretty much the same.
Ford 5500 TLB is built on a Ford 5000 AG Tractor. In fact mine is still the original Ford AG blue engine to rear axle, Yellow outside of course.
The shuttle shift is enclosed in the front of the transmission housing.
If you need a copy of that section of the repair manual I will gladly send it to you.