I have a stock 96' with 214k and it's seems slugish. Besides vlv adj. clean filters, basic tune up etc. what would be my best bang for the buck to get a little more hp. (it's a manual 5 sp).

 

theres a bunch of free mods you can do to get your truck alot more power. Do a search for "all free 12v mods" and theres a good thread with all them in it, u'll be happy you did.

 

Slide the stock plate for about 40-50 HP, but install gauges and you can regrind the plate and rework the AFC for a BIG boost in power Do a search and there are loads of posts that are very informative, oh and BTW welcome to DTR!

 

Lots to do, I have the same truck. Start with gauges, you will need them to moniter the engine. From there, a LOT of work can be done to the injection pump to wake up the truck. Add a GSK kit. Do some research on "fuel plate" and learn from there. Same with "GSK", "pump timing", "AFC", and "star wheel". All of those are free mods, or pretty cheap to buy.
One thing that will be recommended is to deal with the KDP. Research that as well, cheap fix to do, very expensive repair should it fall out.
After all that, and the bombing bug has you right where it wants to, you will probably need a clutch.

 

What is the KDP

 

Great-I found the info on the KDP-This is a great web site and after reading a few posts I am encouraged to keep the truck dispite the wife's complaints about it riding so stiff-Thanks for the input!

 

Killer Dowel Pin
https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...n&onlynewfaq=1

This should help you out with all the abbreviations. I know it did for me.