I drive an 02 Ford SD with a 7.3 with a few mods ( PC 6 ½ lift, Centerline wheels, PC 37x12.50R-17's, Warn PP HD Winch, ZENA Welder, Jotto Console, Scanner, Icom HAM radio, 91 Gal. Aux fuel cell, Diamondback HD bed cover, Warn Hubs, dual steering stab, Step2 Bed steps, Warn FF, Airaid, 4" t/b exhaust with Aero turbine muffler, backup buddy lights, Mag-Hytec diff cover & tranny pan, SGII, 6.0 T Cooler, ELF7405 with oil By-Pass, IH bellowed ups, Gen 2 FRx, HPx, CAT ELC, ez down t-gate, Fumoto drain, Rev/Cargo LEDs, 4 pillar gauge with ISSPRO, Tuner)
One of the more important questions you need to ask yourself is how much do you like to work on your own truck. Love my 7.3 but it does take a regular schedule of work to keep it running in top shape. If you like to work on trucks and have a good set of tools, get an older diesel and fix it up. New trucks are nice (if you like adding cat piss to the fuel) but older trucks are a little easier to work on. Also, make sure a diesel is in the budget as fuel is often more expensive than premium unleaded and I have seen many who end up selling their truck because the cost of fuel is so high. Good luck