Will having a snorkel give me a different sound? I know air intakes do... Also, will it help gas mileage? And is it worth doin for going offroad 2-3 times a month?

 

It might help mileage only on the highway since it'll act as a ram-air. But the savings in fuel won't offset the cost of the snorkel for 8+ years if ever.
How often do you cross deep water? Is deep water a problem where you live?
You're better off performing the deckplate mod.

 

dont do deep water often. A lot of deep, thick mud though...Woudlnt the deckplate allow mud in?

 

Potentially. Though if you were going through mud that deep, I'd be more concerned about the fan bending and striking the radiator, or mud getting into the alternator, starter, etc. Also, if you're getting into mud that deep, it's going to get inside the cab. So, if you ARE going through mud that deep on a regular basis, then YES, by all means, get a snorkel. But, if you can avoid mud that deep, go around.

 

the snorkel makes very little sound. if you are outside standing by it you can hear it, but in cab I've only noticed it once (driving VERY slow, in my neighborhood with all the windows down, and no music)

If you have a deckplate, and seal it, you have just about as much chance of sucking crap in as you do with the stock airbox. the stock one has an elbow that actually sucks the outside air in from just inside the fender.