Geezzzzz..  I love happy endings!!

Great thread on EGRs and issue with exhaust headers and gaskets!!!  Extremely valuable information in my book.

I can't wait to get my rebuild working right.  I have had some delays with medical issues, so I can't work on my truck.... bummed out.

As soon as I can, I will check out the EGR and verify its working properly.

Regarding the gaskets and LCE header... I can't find anything from Remflex or LCE site that discusses that issue that
Dr. emsvitil and Roger Brown identified and you confirmed.  And, I have to believe this problem has happened before.  I used the exhaust manifold gasket that came with the gasket kit from engbldr.  I have read posts that it doesn't last long. But I didn't take the time to order the Remflex.  When I use the stock exhaust gaskets, I spray Permatex copper on both sides with two coats.  As I have posted on my engine build thread, I do not use the factory stock clamping style nuts.  See photo.  I use never-seize on the studs for nuts and red Locktite for the studs inserted in the head.  I have found that whenever I have to remove the header or the exhaust manifold, the gasket will usually NOT reseal and leaks, so I just replace it with a new one.  I also do 3 or 4 checks for tightness on the nuts.  After a 100 miles or so, the nuts will almost always be tight and I don't have any exhaust leaks at the head.  I have a thin lock nut that I put on after initial series of checks and re-torques.

Gnarls.