Carl. IF your friend's '57 wagon was originally equipped with a data plate D code 312 engine, and IF the transmission is the original unit, it has a different FordoMatic transmission than what was used in '57 C code (292 engine) passenger cars, C code 292 station wagons and passenger car C code 292 AND D code 312 engine passenger car vehicles.
The tranny used in the D code 312 '57 wagons, and D code 312 '57 T-Birds is internally different. One difference I'm aware of is the addition of an additional clutch disc, making the count 5 instead of 4.
If the data plate is not on the transmission housing adjacent to the transmission shift linkage, look for a hexagon plug on the driver's side rear of the transmission case, adjacent to the transmission extension housing, and just above the oil pan.
E and F code 312 passenger cars and Birds also used this transmission case with the hex head plug positioned on the lower left rear of the FordoMatic transmission case. These applications had different transmission data plates so there may be additional modifications to them (valve bodies?) in addition to having the additional clutch disc I've mentioned.
Hope this helps those interested in what your friend has for sale!
NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York