going to get a new crank sensor and see if that helps, I've had to replace quite a few worn out sensors on this motor.
Going to recheck the cat to verify it is good.
Until I can locate a shop that has a proper scanner (i live in the middle of nowhere louisiana) could i get the fuel synch a little closer by adjusting the distributor? I made sure that she was at TDC on compression stroke and the mark on the timing chain was lined up, rotor was pointing to #1 when I installed the new distributor.
According to the harmonic balancer and timing light she is running at about +15, what should I be at? I've heard all kinds of differing numbers on this.

 

can't really set the sync by ear..... it only has a 'correct' range of about 7 degrees.... really need a scanner.

Turning the distributor has zero effect on ignition timing. It controls injector timing.

 

Thanks, I've seen that. I will continue to look for a competent shop and will keep you guys updated. thanks for all the help so far!

 

The base of the dizzy has an indentation on it that lines up with a (tit) on the hold down/mounting bracket for lack of a better description. That gets you close.

 

And one can SEE that down there? It is so crowded back there I have not noticed that. Good to know. Close on that should get a guy to the shop.

 

If you loosen the bolt slightly and rotate the dizzy, you can feel it.

 

crank sensor was cracked... probably had something to do with it lol. I have to fabricate spacers since the bracket is the thin one and the original is thick. auto parts store was no help at all, they told me to just bolt it on and it would be good. haha, see what I have to work with down here?

 

If it is different, it is likely not going to work as well. But if you do, the depth that it sets inside is critical. Too short and it will not register correctly, and too lon - it will grind off - and then not work.

I don't know if that would make it run rich as it usually keeps it from running, but it might....

 

Get the correct part.

 

after further inspection of the old one, it is ground down. it had a bunch of crap on the end of it so I couldn't really see the end. installed the new crank sensor and reset the pcm. started her up and she is holding idle at 1K. checking vacuum hoses to be sure (remember, the guy i bought this truck from had a bunch of hokey crap on it) and found that the vacuum hose for the cruise control is broke in half, actually is it completely severed. will replace that and see how she runs.