I think all the members try to help in their own way so take it all in and make your own informed decision. Jerry's comment about needing torque has merit. The old truck has the aerodynamics of a billboard travelling down a highway. At highway speeds (60-65 mph) a 235 with a 3-speed overdrive (4.11 X 0.70 = 2.87 final gear equivalent) can/may use up more gasoline than a 261 with the same transmission at the same speed.
Oh yes, definitely. I appreciate everyone's help, and Jerry in particular has been very willing to help, including passing along his phone # to me to chat (which I fully intend to do one of these days). Maybe I should have worded my response better, but I certainly wasn't being argumentative if that's how anyone took it. Was just trying to say that I'm just looking to make the truck more drivable, reliable, and safe for enjoyment driving on weekends. I live in the country and want to take the truck further than just into town. The main road to get from here to anywhere is a 55mph speed limit, and I tend to annoy the others who are stacked up behind me when I'm only doing 45.
I suppose my definition of "cruising" differs from Mr. Google, as my interpretation includes what many people refer to as "cruising at highway speeds"
