Short story long. A week ago Monday I took the kids to their bus stop and noticed that my temp gauge wasn't moving. When I got home I popped the hood and found coolant running down the front passenger side. Being a rookie I immediately went to the store and got a new water pump, put it on and saw the fluids run down the side again.
Then I decided to look for help on the internet, found this forum and a ton of help. Got new gasket set for the timing chain cover and dove in head first.
Today I got everything back together and no leaks! WOOT! I'M AWESOME! and so are you guys thanks a ton for all the info and links.

 

welcome to DF.
you're awesome. congrats on a successful repair.

now that you've got your feet wet, look into your plenum...

 

Did you take any pics...


And i know how you feel i went through same thing and the knowledgable chaps here on df guided me in right direction....timing cover is common with our trucks...

And i agree if you did the timing chain the plenum should be next...yours is blown or will be because its a factory defect....very simple job and well worth it

Http://hughesengines.com look up v8 plenum repair kit....just buyin a new gasket from napa or autozone will only temporarily fix it...hughes kit comes with gasket a new 1/4 in aluminum plenum pan and new bolts...very much worth it and will save you from bigger problems in future like cracked heads and clogged catalytic convertors