LOL Having to have a degree....
I know what you mean, I have seen that quite a bit on other forums.
As far as the mods I have done:
Started with a Magnaflow SI/DO exhaust. It definitely improved the feel of the truck; it felt much lighter on its feet, and accelerated better. Not to mention, it certainly sounded much better too!
Next I installed my CAI, AEM Brute Force. I can't really recall how that felt, but if I can recall, it did help it out.
I also installed a 180 degree stat, and added some water wetter to the coolant. I do not like running my engines hot. Perhaps it's me....I'm old school, and prefer to go with what I knew from years ago when I wrenched and assisted friends on their race cars.
The last mods I have done were with the programmer. I ordered an Edge, but quickly sent it in for the upgrade and custom tunes (about a month after getting it). It felt good right out of the box, but I thought I could hear a hint of ping, so rather than risk damage, I had the tunes done.
The tunes are great! I have lowered the shift points a little bit, but bumped up the firmness to 18. As it shifts 1-2 at about 45, it's pretty good. It hits quick, but I'm not chirping the belt where it's currently set.
Furthermore, if I do more highway diving, the mileage comes up quite a bit; despite my lead foot. Around town, to and from work, I have been averaging about 14-15. I'm only 3 miles from work, so it doesn't get to operating temps very long before I'm there.
Next on my list is going to be UD pulleys and a Gator Grip belt too. Hopefully in the spring I can manage to swing for a set of gears (4.10-4.30:1). These darn trucks are just too heavy making them very polite when it comes to leaving the lights. Besides, 17 second 1/4 miles are just way too slow....we're talking getting beat by my mothers old Chevette slow.