Apologies - I know nothing about Fords - but one data point for you about diesels: my 95 Dodge / Cummins has over 293,000 miles on it and all it has needed is a water pump, front brake pads, belts, hoses (changed every 4 years - not broken or leaking), and batteries. I change oil and filter every 3k miles, fuel filter every 10k. Added K&N air filter, wash every year or two. Gets between 20 and 22 mpg, running ~70 mph (country roads, no stop-and-go).
No little stuff has broken or fallen off; several factory recalls for electrical parts, but Chrysler is know for lousy electrical systems.
If you do not run your truck a lot, a diesel may not be for you - but if you do run it a lot, you will love your diesel.
Purrrs,
BobCat