Here's a good site to look at.
Ford Truck Enthusiasts
As far as checking it's history, when I bought mine I was able to take the VIN to a dealer and have them run it's history for me. They were able to give me the names of the dealers that serviced it, then I went and called thoes dealers and they were able to give me the history on it. You may be able to call Ford and they may be willing to tell you who originally bought it.
