Update:

I just got my MSD Super Conductor wires today and threw them in to go with the NGK Iridium IX plugs I installed last weekend. Also have a new right front hub assembly. Heard a groaning before I embarked on my 1100 mile trip back from Richmond to Baton Rouge, figured it was a brake issue and couldn't find anything wrong. ABS light came on in SC but there was no difference in driving or braking, nor noise at highway speeds. Made it to Montgomery, stopped for gas and the noise kicked in really bad. Checked the wheels again and found the right front bearing had crapped out. AAA towed me 1/4 mile to a shop the driver recommended, walked there at 0730 the next morning (Motel 6 was conveniently across the street) and was back on the road by 0930, with much less out-of-pocket than I had anticipated.

I also took five minutes today to drill and tap the intermediate steering shaft to install a grease zerk. The GMT800 platform was notorious for having a steering clunk, as I found out after joining a dedicated forum and searching for fixes for my truck's problem. GM had a temporary fix where they removed the shaft and greased it, then came out with a new shaft that supposedly is not much better. Borgeson also makes a shaft, but I found a DIY method and decided to go with that for right now.

As for the intake, I will probably just go with an Airaid intake tube, or may even try the DIY PVC intake I found online. The throttle body bypass is issue free, even when the temperature in VA dropped below 20F.

Who knows what will come tomorrow. I have off a third day this week due to the daughter being sick (hey, this recruiting stuff ain't all bad), already cleared off the DVR on Monday and am dreading the thought of sitting around the house doing nothing.