How much truck for a shortbed TC with a slide?

Two things I would suggest. 1. I'm not sure you need a gear ratio so low (3.73's work for me) as it will impact your mileage. 2. Try the truck without the air bags for a while. A rear sway bar and something like Stable Loads to engage your overload springs earlier than normal would be my suggestion. I would not buy air bags again unless my unit leaned to one side enough to notice.

My long bed dually crew is my only vehicle and it works for me and my DW. It does not work for everyone though.