finally.
 

Ok, so a follow up to all my previous posts. I didn't have the ability to figure everything out on my own so I ended up having to hire outside assistance. As it turns out, my timing cover was leaking badly and I couldn't see it on my own (I knew there was a leak just couldn't find it), There were actually quite a lot of leaks when all said and done. Anyway a couple friends pulled the motor, disassembled, replaced all pertinent gaskets and materials (including a new timing chain and guides) reassembled, and then reinstalled the motor. The guides were shattered, and the timing sprocket was on backwards from the previous owner totally working over my timing which caused most of my issues. Aside from the timing, there were a couple of minor issues I was able to work out and was able to fix on my own. As embarrassed as I am to admit it, I didn't know what an out of time motor sounded like and was hoping not to have to go that far, now I do. While it was way more involved than I was hoping for, several things were learned, and a lot of near future headaches completed all at once with this truck. Thank you everyone for your help, and criticism. Have a good one.
matt z

Thank you for following up the thread. So many never get a resolution post. :cheers:

Congrats and like fishguy said.