i couldn't recall which thread(s) talked about what all it takes to change a c code intake to a j code intake. what steps are required to do this right?
i thought i needed to find a j code intake? thanks

can the egr simply be removed, along with its hose?

AFAIK, in order to change out the C-code intake for a J-code, you also have to get the air breather assembly, as the J-code breather sits lower- the c-code filter assembly will not work with a J-code intake.

Simply removing the EGR doesn't really help you all that much- it doesn't hurt the HP of the truck by operating, it hurts it by blocking airflow, and you can't remove all of the obstruction- there are bosses cast into the C-code manifold for the EGR that the J-code simply doesn't have.

Get the J-code intake, and set it side by side with your C-code manifold.. The differences are obvious in person, sorta hard to explain otherwise.