Dear All,
I figured I'd drop by here and post an update. I wound up changing my ways altogether, and I feel like a new man. The 7.3 I tested for a day was OK, but I took a chance on the way home that day at the advice of a good friend and went to a Dodge dealership. I drove a low mileage 2016 3500 Tradesman with the 6.7 Cummins I6 in it. Regular Cab. Long Box. 4x4. Folks, I hate to say it after 30 years of Ford, but I bought that truck then and there and I have no regrets. I appreciate and understand the Cummins engine and the engineering. I'll be able to take care of it after the PT warranty expires in 30k miles. Only complaint is I think I prefer the stiffer feel of the Fords, but the 3500 doesn't squat too bad under a lot of weight like I thought it might. I am not fond of the DEF crap, but we'll see about that modern vicissitude in ... oh about 30k miles.
I said this in a response to another thread, but it seems that Ford has chosen a route which produces a ton of ponies and torque using a somewhat fragile design. The thing I have always loved about the diesels is their efficiency and relative simplicity. The Cummins is still relatively simple, and has more pulling power than most of us will ever need or use. Thanks again, all! It was fun posting on here instead of using this site as a reference guide. I appreciate the hospitality and patience a great many of you showed me. Happy Holidays, and so long for now.