I want to say thanks to everyone who has posted.
I learned some things that I needed to know.
I'll try to keep this nutshelled, instead of writing a novella here...
I don't know what the rear ratio is. I suspect this truck is frankensteined. Which leads to the fear that the rear and front ratios may be different. I'll find out, once the weather has gotten better here. Probably about mid-summer.
I don't 'put my foot into it', when I am driving. I drive pretty much like a granpa. Only giving it enough to maintain speed. And I TRY to keep my speed to around 50, as much as I can. I try to drive, to save fuel, not to take advantage of 'power'.
I go the speed limit if there is other traffic on the road. If there is no other traffic, I'll coast it along at 50, so I m turning closer to 2500rpms. If there is other traffic, I cruise at 60, at right around 3000rpms.
If I had turbo, I would drive no differently. I am not tempted by 'power'. I like it there, if needed. But as a rule, I don't 'put my foot into it'.
~~~
What my goal here, is, is to figure out what is the best bang for the buck, in changes or improvements that I can make. And I will be spending more time here, reading, and learning. Hopefully by mid-summer, I'll have enough information to be able to actually make a difference with as few mistakes as possible.
I will not be spending thousands of dollars to save a few dollars. The bottom line for everything that I do, is going to be the cost. I simply cannot afford to just toss money at the truck. (As an example. I am old. The truck sits prety high. These old bones are having a hard time climbing in and out of the truck. I could really use a step! Most of you may think nothing of going out and buying a step. I can't afford it, and have been looking for a free one. Meanwhile, I look like a clown, and am hurting my back climbing in and out of the truck.
)
From what I can tell here, now... My best bet is to start with trying to 'tune' what I have.
I believe there are missing parts!
Definitely some on top of the engine. Possibly some going to the transmission. Etc.
What IS there, could possibly be 'tuned' better. Like for instance, the 'timing' of the pump. Whatever that means.
Once I have gone over the truck and learned what I can, and figured out exactly what I have, and am working with... And once I have 'tuned' as much as I can with what I have... Then I am thinking the first major change I am going to consider is a shift add-on. Whatever it is called, that is attached to the back end of a C6, to give you overdrive.