The Tube Screamer is about the best overdrive you can go for. An EQ pedal will help you out a ton by raising the frequencies that are getting bled off. The problem with running an EQ with an effects processor is: If you run it before the processor the frequencies often get cut anyway... If you run it after the processor... Often the frequencies sound like mush, so when you turn them up they may sound dirty and colored. EQ's are best used in an effects chain that doesn't have a seperate preamp from the amps preamp.
If I were you I'd look around. Check out Snarling Dogs line of effects pedals... very affordable and nice sounding.
Also, are you using your bridge pickup when you want to get that cutting lead tone?? Your guitar controls can go a long way when you know how to use them properly... Set your neck pickup tone knob all the way to the treble side and see what that does for you...
