Taking the truck into the mechanic today. All your input was extremely valuable in figuring out what I want done at this time. I'll let you know how it goes with the "dr."

Priorities for this trip:
1. Full tuneup
2. Lower ball joints (going bad)
3. Transmission service (flush fluids, etc.)
4. Alignment

Next trip:
1. Plenum Gasket
2. Heater (even in the winter it just doesn't get that cold on the Central Coast; but I'm going to have him look at it today and give an estimate)

 

Thanks again for all the feedback / advice. I had the mechanic do a full tune-up including replacing the O2 sensors. He also found the bearings (I think that was it) on the front right wheel were TOTALLY SHOT and the wheel seemed about to fall off.

Results? Holy Moly does it run smoother. I thought it was fine before, but now it is so smooth and just feels right. Also, the suspension issue I had seems to be tied to those shot bearings. So both the engine and ride are improved.

My next two items are more cosmetic: 1) dashboard plastic cover, 2) headlight re-firb.

 

good glad u got it taken care of