I currently have the wastegate hose disconnected. Probably not the best, but my EGTs are low so why not. The max boost I have gotten was about 24 while going uphill on the highway. This was only for a second.

There didn't look to be a gasket on top of the ALDA but there was definitely one on the back plate.

What part number are you referring to?

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1981 300 SD 213k miles "Stock for now"
1999 Super Duty 7.3L 113k miles
1981 300 SD 180k miles "Heavily modified" SOLD