Nice truck! 

I've got a question about "tuning" the truck. I read lots of threads about how someones truck is all that, because it is "tuned", but what does tuning really do? Doesn't it advance timing, and alter shift points in the transmission for better performance?
I use this truck as a multiple use vehicle, so it certainly wont be becoming the "stage II" vehicle that I posted above. I was just joking when I posted that.
One of the uses of this truck is to tow our 18' auto transport trailer at least every other weekend. The trailer can be loaded with ATVs, side by sides, or even my fairly light weight '85 CJ-7. When I've got the CJ on the trailer, I'm at the rated maximum towing capacity for the truck. I tow in the southwest desert, where temps can get quite high. I remember coming through Baker, CA, and as I started the climb up the Baker grade, looking at the roadside thermometer they have in Baker, and seeing 122 degrees on the thermometer. Wouldn't advancing the engine timing be the absolutely last thing I would want to do when towing in high heat?
Another use for this truck is backcountry exploring, which often times gets me in the middle of nowhere, and refueling can be a challenge. I have had to by cheap Pemex (Mexican gas) a number of times to get back home. Mexican gas can be pretty poor quality gas. Not sure I want to be advancing the timing if I'm going to have to run crappy gas in the engine at times.
Another question --- where do you get a "blackbear tune" done? No place in this area does ECM tuning, and I'm thinking the closest place would be Las Vegas, which is 180 miles away. How much gain is there with a "tune", and is it worth taking time off work to drive 360 miles round trip to have it done? And should it even be done at all, with the towing, heat, and poor gasoline concerns I have? I'm thinking, leave the engine alone.
