Well, long story short, she fired right up, idles beautifully, super quiet, no intake/vacuum l;eaks I can find, no exhaust leaks.
I literally had a Tear or two start welling up, I am not kidding...
Man, this had been five long weeks of 110 degree outside on Gravel Work on the old Girl, getting all these various things brought up to Snuff!
Come on, man! There are kids who visit this site. You had 'smoke' in your eyes. There's no crying in trucks.

Thanks for getting back with us with your fix!
Carl