lookin at somethin i can get a little lope out of and a smidge more power. thinkin like a 218 218 or somethin like that

 

That's very common with the 3.23 and 3.42 geared trucks. Even with mine I'm not in 3rd very long. A shorter tire will help that, it's all in the gearing. With a 4.8L I'd have went to a 4.10 gear or a bit shorter tire.

 

when i was sorta stock.. intake/ muffler.. and i was learning the tuning thing, just shift points and simple trans settings..
i ran a 14.9@92? trapping in 2nd gear at 6100rpms..
5.3 3.42s and a 29" tire

 

Yea big tires and 3.42 = High speeds in 2nd gear. When I had 3.42's in mine, It didnt shift into drive until 105mph. I ran a 26" tire at the track to help that but it was still geared wrong. I have since switched to a 4.10 and still run the 26" tires, I cross the traps around 6,200rpm I believe!