My search for a 98 12V is over and it is on the way. I found one that is pretty much stock other than a muffler delete.
I'm looking for your input on first mods. I'm planning to do the KDP and a few others, nothing to wild. I know I've got a PS leak to deal with once I find the source. It will be my new daily driver with occasional towing between 8 and 12000 lbs. I got it bought right so I have a limited budget to make a few changes, but can't get too carried away.

Let me know your thoughts on where to start.

 

change the control arms with good heavy tube steel type (like Rancho) and urethane bushings, maybe add a steering box -pitman arm bearing mount, get rid of the air filter with a BHAF, get good gauges, boost, exhaust, trans temp, fuel pressure, mod the inj.pump with a different plate, get good filters, lots of good stuff on these threads.

 

Definately planning on more air - either AFE or BHAF...
Your recomendation on quality guages for a good price? Glow shift, autometer, Pricol, Isspro?
Also, what would be a good plate for my stock auto trans and TC?

 

Once the truck is running like it should, these are the must do mods imo:

1) Gauges (at least boost and EGT)
2) Valve body
3) Low-stall single disc billet torque converter
4) #10 plate
5) 3kgsk

Then:

6) BHAF
7) 4" exhaust
8) Steering stabilizer brace

If you need a track bar (common wear) you can either get a Luke's link, Thuren heavy duty, 3rd gen conversion, or lifetime warranty one from autoparts store.

I know the TC and valvebody is kind of expensive, but it needs to be done. I can't believe I used to drive with the slushy stock torque converter that was designed for a gasser. How I put up with it for so long I don't know...

 

Get it breathing GOOD first. Then look after the rest.

 

Sorry man, gotta disagree here.

Getting it to breathe better is first in my book.

First Mods: (In Order)

1. BHAF. (Or your choice of intake)
2. 4" or larger exhaust.
3. EGT, EGT, EGT, EGT Gauge!!!
4. Boost and/or Trans Temp Gauge.
5. #10 Plate + Boost Elbow.

Then I'd stop and see what else you might want.

 

Great input and I appreciate it!
A few questions though.

What is involved in a 3rd gen track bar conversion and is it better/cheaper than the aftermarket ones mentioned?

What would be a good choice for the $ on TC and valve body upgrade?

Boost elbow? I know what a boost fooler is on a 3rd gen, but unfamiliar with 2nd gens so help me out here.

What do the BHAFs usually run and how many miles do you get from one? I'm in a dry dusty climate.

 

My thoughts...

Air filter
4" exhaust
gauges (I have glowshift and think they are great for the price)
Trans upgrades (VB and TC)
Fuel plate
3k gsk

 

Thanks JohnX. I was wondering if anyone around here had tried the glowshift, can't beat the price, just curious how accurate they were compared to others.

 

I'm sure Glowshift makes decent gauges, but for EGT I wouldn't feel comfortable having anything other than Autometer or some other well-known brand that racers use.

 

The way I modded my truck was this.

BHAF
Gauges
Plate
GSK
clutch
injectors
turbo and exhaust

EGT's were quite low for just a 3" straight pipe. I don't think its a huge deal which way you go with it, eventaully, it all gets done.