As far as disk brakes while you're under the car just look at the front brakes.
You will have to look on the oil pan rail of the motor to find the vin. Look for the "stamped" numbers, not cast numbers 478243
Example:
So the engine number I provided initially is the embossed cast number indicated year, plant, date of build etc. It never matches the vin; only the stamped number matches the vin in case of matching numbers.
Makes sense; thanks!
At least now I know where to look.