coolant filter, egr delete, gauges to start. I would recommend fuel pressure, engine oil temp and engine coolant temp, that way you can constantly monitor the health of your oil cooler (difference between oil and coolant temp not to exceed ~15*).

Best thing for these turbos is use them, and don't be afraid of the skinny pedal.

Not really any major improvements over the years. Most things got better, some got worse, but 06/07 should be pretty good trucks. The newer one's I like for other reasons, coil spring front ends, bigger brakes, nicer interiors etc.

ive looked into the egde cts monitor. it looks like it would be a good one. . i read a little about the water filter whats the reason behind that. i pretty much pull a boat and and use a large overhead camper in the summer its gonna be a daily driver for me once its out of the shop and doesn't go back.

The CTS monitor is a really nice unit. SCT just released something similar that looks even better IMO, and you can use it for tunes too. Don't forget for fuel pressure and for exhaust temp, you'll need to purchase the sensor pick up's separately.

The stock filter mounted on the frame has a water membrane on it, to pull water out of the diesel fuel. Water will kill injectors in a hurry. There is a drain on the HFCM down there that you just drain out when you change oil or fuel filters.

my truck is light an engine right now. its on a stand tore down at the dealer. the cylinders still have cross hatching in them they all look good. the head look ok as well. no noticeable cracks or anything. one cylinder looked like it has had a little water in it. but not much. ill c what they say when it goes back together. and its getting a turbo at the same time

What turbo are you going with? If you have to get one, might as well upgrade at this point... Either an MTW stage 1 or a powermax or something... same price.