Engine ID by VIN or other code?

I'm on the prowl for a 360 LA block and last time I was at the yard I found that most of the trucks you couldn't see the block casting numbers and a few I couldn't tell if they were 318 or 360s. I was on another mission so didn't spend too much time looking then. I'd like to get a 89-92 360 with roller lifters and LA head oiling, but just being able to tell what size the motor is from the VIN or an emission sticker would be helpful. Are there "tells" for the various generations of trucks? I found some reference to the 8th digit of the VIN on early 2000's? What about the early 90's and the 80's. I don't think they had anything from the 70's but maybe.