Need some help
 

Hey everyone, I'm new to all this. Just bought my first diesel, a 97' f-350 s/c, srw, 5-spd, with 52,000 miles. I am on my second tour in Iraq as a Scout in the army (19d). I will take leave soon (be back in texas for two weeks(R&R). All my family are 5.9 cummins owners, but i can't get enough of the OBS Fords. Anyways the truck is all stock, with a leveling kit, 32's, and alum. diff. covers. So of course I am going to spend some of uncle sams cash on it (as much as the wife will let me), what would you all do first or sugest, other then the DIY intake, what is the fuel petal trick? Also i read about ajusting the fuel preasure, and looking in to a TW chip, anyways thanks alot for your help, as I am in need.

Welcome. Thank you for serving, you are my hero!
Exhaust: Must atleast replace the flattened stock downpipe with a 3" round. I would recommend straightpiping the rest with 4" (complete kits available).
Tricks: The result of most "tricks" can also be accomplished through good chip tuning.
Gauges are always recommended and are a must if going beyond intake,chip, and exhaust.
Intercooler recommended if doing more than drag racing from the stoplight. Look for used 6.0 or 7.3 superduty model.
For significant gains, the 90cc stock injectors need upgrading. There are DIY kits out there. You will also need a different High Pressure Oil Pump to drive them. A 17* HPOP out of a superduty may be enough depending on how far you intend to go.
Depending on how crazy you get with injectors, A turbo upgrade may be desired (ball bearing).
At a certain point, head studs will be needed, then forged rods, then a third tour for more money.

Thanks alot for the welcome, as well as the info. I have looked into most of that and it is in the works, I was mainly looking for advice as far as parts/equipmet that should be looked at, (I heard that injector pumps go out often). The truck will not really be hot rodded, just a really dependable driver, as I drive alot in the back woods, but also do want more power, but for the most part it is for longevity, and dependablity. Just looking for all around tips, I have read most of all the posts on her pertaining to the 7.3's obs fords. Thanks againg for everything.

there is not an injection pump on a powerstroke so you dont have to worry about that. if it was me i would do intake, exhaust, wildman or swamps chip, hybrids, H2E or the like, at least a 17* pump, electric fuel, headstuds and a clutch.