2002 F350 CrewCab 7.3L

[Bigscrb15]

I have always had gas engines and feel like I need to switch to diesel now that I purchased a new Toy Hauler(13,000lbs max weight). I have a 3/4ton Chevy Crew Cab now but am considering switching to Ford . I know life expectancy of the diesel engines depends heavily upon maintenance. The truck I am looking at right now has 154K miles. If it were a gas engine, I would not touch it with a 10'pole. With it being diesel though I am clueless as to what is consider too high of mileage to buy. If I get to the dealer and find out it was maintained would this truck be good for another 100k? Also, what should I look for? From readings this forum I guess I should pull the hose from the turbo and check the blades and also for dust behind the air filter. I have heard a lot of bad about the auto tranny's is there anything I should check on those such as a certain build date or what? any other little places to look for wear or mistreatment? I appreciate the help!

[Brian]

knowing the maint. history would be great. talk to the previous owner if you can, but that is not a lot of mileage for a diesel if it was maintained properly.
the motor will run for a long time, its just the bolt on parts that will need replaced from time to time. if you have some mechanical ability they are easier to work on than a gas engine in my opinion. 300k+ is not uncommon on the ford diesels. again, it comes down to how they are maintained.