You need to pull a sparkplug wire off one at a time and hold it about a 1/2" or so from a ground, crank the engine and you should see a spark. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />Do this one at a time and do it for the coil also. Check all your wires at the ignitor also, ground...! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

This may sound stupid, but a few months ago I had a bad coil wire (and they only had 20K on them). Similar symptoms...which is how I discovered it...the tack wasn't moving when I cranked it. Replaced the whole set of spark plug wires and it ran like a champ. I didn't have any ODB error codes though.

Alright, Im an idiot, I forgot to plug the distributor back in. Did that, it fired up but still is rough, I can keep it at 3K+ but the vacuum gauge fluctuates mildly. Truck wont idle straight, just chokes on itself but I can give it gas and run the RPM's back up. Also, have violent back pressure from the throttle body to the point it blew my new intake tube off although it wasnt tightened on as much as it should be. Could it be the timing is off or anything like that? I dont know how to check that. Any suggestions on what other parts I can throw at it?

Don't sell yourself short, everyone makes mistakes!
Now then, Did you fix that oversize gasket for the dist. cap?
Tighten that air intake up and make sure that everything is connected, vac. hoses...!
Check your pcv valve and make sure that's plugged in!
Once again, clear your codes,restart!
Recheck your tps also!
See if this works before you move on to the timing?
10-4? Hey we're getting there, it's starting! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Only time that would happen is when the timing was WAAAAAAAY advanced (firing when intake valve is still open) or when you have a couple of plug wires switched (wrong firing order).

Check it out!

Heard ya drtdevl!
He has to secure it first! One problem at a time!
He got it started, I think he's on a roll! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

As far as I can tell, vacuum lines are good, repositioned the PCV to the side of the intake manifold and its straight up, the spark plug wires seem to be right. How do I check the timing, any easy way?

First you need a timing light, or if you have the ear for it you can do it by ear!
1. Under your hood next to your fuse box is a diagnostic box, open it up and get a paperclip and cross the trminals "e1" & "te"
2. hook up your t-light - to the battery and the othe line to #1 sparkplug wire
3. Leave the distributer a little loose so you can turn it
4. Aim the light down at the crank shaft pulley
5. LOOK ON THE HOOD TO FIND THE SPECS
6. another little tip is before you start all this, is to take white fingernail polish, and mark your timing marks on the pulley ("v") and on the cover. it helps trmendously!
7. Line these marks up by turning distributer
8. Re-secure distributer, take jumper wire out and your in time brother!!
10-4?
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Couldnt I just turn the distributor by hand until the idle stops being rough and smooths out? What would cause it to do this anyway?

Yes, definitely, try it!
It may or may not be the timing!
gOOD lUCK! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />