is there anything wrong with hooking up a vacuum gauge ?

One of the cheapest and handiest engine diagnostic tools available

I have a general use 4 inch that does both vacuum and pressure. I use it regularly. It would be a simple way to stop guess and get some data on this one.

My water pump made a whooshing sound when the bearings inside went bad. Also what’s your tire size? If they are 31s or bigger on 3.55 gearing your not going to get much acceleration especially on the freeway.