Even though you are carrying a load, I still don't think you will gain much if any fuel economy by modifying the intake or exhaust.
When you talk about "efficiency" of an engine/vehicle, it doesn't necessarily mean fuel efficiency. Better flowing intake and exhaust will improve volumetric efficiency (engine will suck in a larger volume of air per revolution) which is not the same as fuel efficiency (traveling farther per unit of fuel). Improving volumetric efficiency won't always to an increase in fuel efficiency.
That said, there is a little room for improvement in both power and fuel economy by tweaking the computer a little. One of the things I was planning on was a Blackbear tune for my Silverado:
Black Bear Performance :: Custom Tuning Solutions for 96 and newer GM Vehicles
Which I have read can give a small boost in fuel economy. They can also enable e-fans on the older trucks like yours that don't have them.
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What should I expect as far as performance/mpg difference?
Other than a pure HP gain, overall drivability will be increased. In most cases, you'll notice much less of a lag when you take off from a light or need to accelerate when getting around an obstacle. Typical mileage gains have been in the 1-2mpg range.
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