[bwood]

The timing is a little sensitive. If the distributor has ever been removed (like for the replacement of intake gaskets-common problem), it may be one tooth off. If I remember correctly the timing has to +/- 2 degrees from 0 and has to be fine tuned with a high dollar scanner. If your distributor is in correctly (sounds like it might not be just due to the symptoms) a dealer might be able to set it for just a hour of labor. The sensor in the dist is a cam position sensor. It works with the crankshaft position sensor and when the computer tries to adjust the timing to accomodate driving conditions, it may be adjusting the timing out of sync with the crankshaft position sensor. For more info try looking in the 88-98 forums. Although yours is a 01, this motor also is in the 96-98 1/2 ton trucks and 96-00 3/4 and 1 tons. Run a search.