Changed out the fuel pump. Now the vehicle starts and my fuel gauge works! Apologies for brushing off this info, you were correct! Now the vehicle is starting but has a long crank time until it fires up. I've discovered with cycling the key a few times before starting makes it start like it used to. I think this could be a fuel pressure regulator. However I am unsure as to how this system operates on a 5.9 L. I may make a new thread for this concern, or look for another.

 

Fuel pressure regulator is integrated into the fuel pump module. What brand did you get? If you got one of the cheap ones, then it's no surprise it doesn't work like OEM.....

 

The brand is Precision fuel pumps. It was 150 bucks at Oreillys

 

Never heard of them... but, price wise, it's kinda middle of the road. Delphi or Denso were OEM. Don't bother with the el-cheapo feller, unless you like changing fuel pumps.... Rent a pressure gauge from your local parts store. (it ends up being free....) test fuel pressure first start of the day. Wen you turn the key on, it should jump to around 49 PSI pretty quick, and hold there. If it doesn't, (which is what I expect....) cycle the key a couple more times. See what it takes to actually get it to 49 PSI.