Need to replace a few panels of our fence. Want to use 2-3/8 pipe instead of 4x4 PT posts. Will 16ga posts work in Houston ? We've always had metal posts in Dallas and E Texas but don't recall the gauge used.

16 gauge will work until you get a strong wind then they will fold over. My father in law (rest in peace) had the perfect solution. He put 2 7/8 posts in the ground to just above ground level. Then took the 16 gauge post and slid them inside the 2 7/8 post. When a major storm happens the post would lay over. He kept a spare 16 gauge post for just such a purpose, took the section of fence off, replaced the post, put the fence back up in no time. The 2 7/8 pipe was drill stem he purchased and cut to length. Works great for many years.

Unfortunately I'm on a tight budget since neighbor doesn't want to share the expenses