Finding Boost Leak

[MAleshire]

I purchased a truck about a month ago, and I have a boost leak. I need some help/suggestions on what to check and how to check it. The symptoms are no accelleration/power on the low end. At about 1600+ rpm I get boost and the truck takes off. With some helpful suggestions from a TDR member I looked at the AFC. I removed the plug over the star wheel and loosened the wheel to take tension off the spring against the diaphragm. I loosened it to what seemed to be the end of travel. I didn't seem to notice any loose parts or binding up of parts inside the AFC. On the test drive I got more accelleration on the low end but the boost guage didn't show a whole lot of boost until higher rpms. There was no noticeable smoke coming out the exhaust. I was told that this lack of exhaust smoke and some increased power most likely indicates a boost leak between the intake manifold and the AFC. The only thing between them is the little hose with the pressure fittings on each end. Anyone know how to test this? I've visually inspected it and didn't see any signs of wear or deterioration. Whether it holds pressure or not is in question. If that checks out OK I guess the next step would be the clamps and hoses between the intercooler and the manifold. Would the intake manifold gasket have any effect on boost leak? Again, any suggestions would be appreciated. I want to locate the source of the problem and not just start throwing new parts at it.