It's funny watching the fan responses.
My last smoker was a 95 Superduty, inherited as a horse hauler. Hated the sound of that 7.3, bought a 3/4 ton Dodge in 01 with a 360, that I still have.
The 7.3 wasn't bad, just as I said, noisy.
My Boat was even outfitted in 94 with a very quiet JD Diesel as a test unit they were working on, quiet and non smoking up until 02, when I sold it.
My intention now is a gasser truck, if the 5er in a couple years is too hard on the 6.4, I would replace it with what I hope is a very strong Ford 7.3 gas engine. But I wont buy that on a new year for both the engine and the tranny. The Ram with a new tranny makes me nervous enough, dont need two new components.
Glad to hear from the few who have had one, that the 8 speed seems to be going well.
Thanks