I hope my input helps with your decision.
I have a 93 Ford farm truck with the same 7.3 engine. It has loads of bottom end torque (compared to a 235). Top end is not so good as without a turbo she steadily loses speed climbing grades and spews black smoke. On the plus side, the electricals and mechanicals are very basic (1950's technology) and once dialed in it should run for a long time with little upkeep. Rebuilt fuel injector pumps may be in scarce supply in the future as they are not abundant now. As others stated, the heavy weight of a 7.3 may be of issue.
