Will the MAF make the truck not run at all?

It runs like a top withought the intake boot connected to the throttle body as soon as I put it on the truck dies.

 

I don't belive the truck will run. i believe it "chokes" becasue the amount of air needed for the engine is not regulated properly. Sometimes if the MAF is going bad the engine will "surge" as if it's struggling to stay on. I had an experience like this with an 89 mustang GT. I'm no mechanic but that's just my opinion. It's not that expensive(in comparison to other parts). Try cleaning it well first and letting it dry to see if that helps. Good luck.

 

One quick way to check the MAF is to ensure everything is installed properly and then disconnect the MAF connector. This will force the PCM to resort to default fuel tables. If the MAF is faulty then the engine should run well. Best of luck!