Ricky,
Sounds like you have a reasonably fresh "runner" there to work with but we need some help in interpretation of what you are hearing the old girl tell you.
1) If you dont have already, start looking toward repair manuals to help you see how the componants you will learn to deal with are made and what they are expected to do.
Easily found will be "MOTORS" or "CHILTONS" manuals of vintage or 2 years newer than your vehicle AND genuine Chevrolet shop manual of your vehicle + or - 2 years.They don't have to be beautiful--shouldn't pay more than 15.00 for either.
2) Go to the oldest parts house around and ask what old fart in the area you could to for an analysis/test drive of your truck.
optional location to obtain may be local coffee shop(not fancy)or maybe McDonalds.Go early in the morning--it won't hurt long for you to get out before 7:00 and the wife doesn't get anything out of you that time of day anyway.
You will find somone willing to mentor or give an opinion after a test drive or ride with you-- it may cost you a cup of coffee but there will be many benefits if you are selective.
What we can gain here for consideration of the problem(s) is a learned feel for what the truck is doing compared to what can be expected.
