Ok, after I posted last I went and did some research on the intake but I didn't find that picture, in the picture on right, what goes on the nipple above the fpr hose?
Turns out I had the fpr hose on top, switched it and no change, I'm going to bed now but I'll mes with it some more tomorow

 

The vacuum hose for the HVAC controls - "G" in this diagram from Shoebox:

http://shbox.com/1/hvac_vacuum.jpg

 

One is for the FPR and the other is for the vacuum check valve located near the PCM (junction of 2 other vacuum lines).

 

new fuel pump: check
running engine: no check
ahh!

 

Please refer to post number 10

 

thought a video might help
hope it works

 

just an update: i replaced the fuel pressure regulator because of the eratic nature of the fuel pressure, it is now holding constant at 42pds while running, but it is still running the way it was in the video
i still have not checked for compression, it is showing a check engine light, but since it is an obd1 computer port the reader is $175, trying to find a way to avoid buying one for a one time use, and i cant exactly move my truck in its current state

 

I may have missed it earlier in the thread but have you pulled plugs and taken a look and what they look like? Fouled possibly......

 

plugs are brand new,
got icm tested and the low rpm side was bad so i guess i found the problem