My truck had a K&N drop in filter when I got it a couple of months ago, and I was having issues with throttle response, the truck cutting in and out/spitting and gurgling when I'd get on the throttle. I saw several say K&N's aren't good for these trucks in my research. This morning I put a Motorcraft filter in it and cleaned the MAF. Now the throttle response is much better, the cutting in and out/spitting and gurgling is gone. I will be interested to see how this helps my MPG as well.

 

This was the K&N mesh filter that sets in the FACTORY air box ?

 

Yes. That would be the one.

 

Cleaning the MAF was probably the biggest help.
When properly oiled the filters aren't USUALLY a problem. But almost no one, myself included, oils them properly. IMO, why cause the headache. I think you probably made the right decision.

 

A dry element filter is always going to be your best bet on a MAF sensor system.