Thanks all for your input!! Super helpful.
Yes, a pryro is on order and will be here tomorrow from Amazon. There's a Pyro in the truck currently, and I hoped it would work. Sure enough... No dice. So, $180 later and I've got one coming.
The steering is definitely sloppy, but after more inspection and lots of reading here, it is definitely before the box and in the shaft itself. So, I'll pull that cover off here soon and see if I can tighten it up in there. Also have a 2.5in lift I'm going to put on at the same time. I know, I should just buy a Dana 60, but had to draw the line somewhere, and this'll get me down the road. I'll report back with the lift and steering fix.
As far as the chuffing. Yeah, has me nervous. I dumped a can of Seafoam in the oil and a bottle of Hotshots Diesel Extreme in the tank. The bottom end was definitely goo-y when pulling it apart, so I'm hoping to loosen things up and drain the oil in 500 miles or so.
I did a run today, longest one yet (thanks quarantine). 20 miles round trip. First fill up of fuel, the PO left me a rear tank that was full! That's a cool win. I thought my vent was just clogged at first, but no, it's actually full! Cool!
I pieced together this montage video, let me know what you think. Not of my editing skills, but of the truck. First bit is startup when it warmed up a bit, it's about 34° out at this point. Then is driving with a tick tick tick tick. Then under the hood, and lastly outside the truck. That tick tick tick tick is there. Moves with the rpms.
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My guesses are
Stuck rings
Stuck valve
Exhaust leak
Lower end knock somewhere (oh please no)
Let me know your thoughts!!
Last, obligatory photo. Here's Pete before his first real drive, a dump run.
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Happy trails all.
And yes, feeling better over here from Rona. Fatigued and quarantined with 4 little ones will make anyone fatigued, but this is even more so. But life's great, and we have nothing to complain about.