you said you have the 396/8.0 motor the 8.0 is 502 cubic inches and i would definately buy a diesel truck pulling that load more power and better fuel economy seems like a win win to me
Mine is the 6.0 (wife said no on putting kids in 6" higher) but it towes pretty well. It's not my duramax but it holds its own with gassers. The 8.1 should be fantastic.
The problem they are also runnig into is the fact that it wont pass a safety inspection either. Unfortunatly with the Fabtech kit the knuckles widen the track 4" overall and no flare will cover it as well as needing mud flaps. Plus they would need to add a airbag kit to tow a trailer that heavy. God Bless Utah Laws!!!