Ok, the man brought it home, and for the hell of it, I tried it. It started up like nothing was wrong. Ran for maybe three or four minutes then just shut off again, and would not restart. after it ran, and shut off again, I did listen and could hear the fuel pump coming on when the key was turned. tried several times, and heard the pump every time even though it wouldnt start either time.

1991 Rodeo XS
3.1 V6 4x4
136,000 + miles.