Dude, I know you don't like diesel..... but the first gen powerstrokes were voted most reliable engine ever sold in a pick up. They have 2 known issues, cam sensor and the water neck rusts out..... both easily fixed. Just find one that's been well maintained.... and then there is the 300.... I know it can be found in f250s.... but very rare after '87....... like I have only seen 1 in my entire life..... but there is literally nothing to stop you from putting a 300 into any pre-97 truck.
Good luck with it
I just dont tow enough to warrent a PSD, not to mention the fact i paid 9k for my 97 with 62000 miles on it in damn near mint shape, a PSD woulda been 14k...
Im not sure how a 300 would drag my 30ft 7000lb travel trailer. No doubt in my mind it would do it, and never whimper, but it is nice to be able to pull out without 2 miles of no traffic.
Thats my other powerstroke complaint, they just aint got the punch like a 460, stock for stock anyways.
Im not knocking the 7.3s reliabilty though, its head and shoulders above the turd that replaced it.