You are definitely a lucky man. Is the Blue the dark blue, or the blue that looks green depending on light?
I miss my 3/4 ton SUV. As life changed, mine was only getting 5k miles a year. So after changing to 2500HD, and hearing about no room for 6 adults, it was on to the 3500 Express (that does not have 4wd and is not as quiet as a SUV). I love the fuel economy of the 6.0 and 6 spd.
I was unfamiliar with your Flint hills until a month ago, and will probably visit them at least two more times this year. We came out for a K State Vet school interview, and now my daughter will be starting there in August. I guess I need a purple KSU sticker for my Express!
Keep us informed on how you compare the 6.0 to the 8.1. I think you will like the empty mpg.