welcome to the diesel club! we have a 2000 f350 with a 7.3 and it has been a great truck. Make sure to check the oil pan on it to make sure its not rusting out and coat it with somthing if its not too bad allready! the 7.3's came with some thin oil pans and diff. covers. the diff cover is easy to change but the whole motor needs to be takin out to replace the oil pan
good luck!