Sorry for the late reply, but,well, I solved the problem(s)...sort of....I ended up selling the van as the fixes are getting a bit too involved and expensive for me at the moment. I wish I could have kept going so that maybe someone else could benefit from the info in this thread.
I really appreciate you guys hangin' with me as far as I took it...12Ounce, tomj76, Mustang Driver, etc., you have my utmost respect for your knowledge of these vans and your willingness to help other owners.
Take good care all!