Winters gone, got a new job that conservatively raises my discretionary spending cap by 25%, so it's time to get serious about getting on with Barney's mods. Right now, the main goal is to end up with a daily driver that has a bit more off road capability than stock, and at least in theory have a bit more punch without at least losing any MPG.

Last year I replaced the 4 leaf springs with 5 leaf, which raised the rear about 3" or so. Wasn't really the intention, the 5 leaf were the only ones I could get at the time that weren't of dubious suitability without going new. So at this point I'm wondering whether to raise the front end accordingly, or lowering the rear back to stock, or some compromise between the two. Any thoughts or suggestions along those lines? I'll be staying with the stock size tries for now, just replacing with a decent mid level tread like Dueller MTs.

In regards to the engine, a 5.8L (SD), I'd like to upgrade the air intake, possibly the ignition, looking at a chip and at least a catback.

1) I don't want to mess with converting the speed density system to MAS, so I'm looking at the KN FIPK which is the only one I seem to find for my app.

2) The chip options seem to be limited as well, the JET seems to be the easiest to install. However they offer two stages, stage one for stock and stage two for low restriction exhaust and low temp thermo. The intake will definitely be higher flow, the exhaust, since it will use the stock exhaust from the cat forward isn't what I'd call low restriction per se, so stage one or two?

3) The exhaust is rather up in the air, the system i have is stock with a dual tip, side exit outlet in good shape, I'm considering just swapping the muffler since I don't see any sigificant gains going with a full catback considering the main bottle neck remains on the truck regardless.

 

I have Dueler A/T Revo 31x10.5R15's on my truck, and absolutely love them. By far the best truck tire I've ever owned. Highly recommend them.

JET stage 2 would be my choice, but I like a little more throttle response.

Spending money on the ignition would be a waste, unless it's failing. You won't notice any difference. The one exception to this is the coil. At 11 years, it would be worthwhile preventitive maintenance to put a new one in there. I like Crane, but that's just me. Mallory replacement coils tend to be junk, and MSD coils often become loud "buzzers".

I think the FIPK is a wise addition, and will enhance the sound while accelerating, and should improve throttle response and passing speeds a bit, but it won't be anything monumental.

A hi-flow cat would serve you better than a catback would, but both would be even better. Brand depends on sound preference.

You might want to look into installing lower gears as well.

 

Lower gears = less mpg, therefore not an option. The engine has more than enough power for my needs already, I'm really looking to make it a bit more efficient, from what I've read, letting it breathe better and tweaking the tuning with the JET chip will give me a bit higher MPG as well as a bit more performance should I choose to use it.