98_k1500
strange noises are normal
A dead-head gauge like that would be ideal. Your fuel pressure should be 30-40 lbs with a gauge like that. You can run your truck with a inline style gauge installed, but you can't check the operation of the regulator. With a dead-head style gauge like is posted (that just hooks to the line from the pump and caps it off) you can kill both birds with one stone. I have never used one of the sort but that setup looks awesome.