Smallwwb - Just a note to say it's your truck and your decision on what goals you have and how you get to them. No need to be "...butting heads..." with anyone and your choices are accepted for what they are - yours.
Folks have and will offer suggestion on what their experiences have been and things they did to get there, in the hopes it may save you some possible trials and tribulations, but not all those things will fit in with your goals and plans so it's your choice to accept or decline those suggestions.
If you are yet deciding what your end goals are (T-5 or rear axle swap, etc), I'd suggest you decide those choices first, then you can focus an asking specific questions to let us help you achieve your goals.
Cheers to you and a Happy Holidays as well!
