cadgear, thanks for the reply...
1) It seems to idle fine once running. Just at startup it sputters and i have to give it a little gas, but fine after that.
2) guess i'll go check for holes.
3) I'll take a look tonight at the route.
4) Actually there are no lights that come on at all. The "Low Trac" light does come on in the winter when sliding but that's it. THe local shop couldn't get a code reading and referred me to a dealership. It's the power fluctuations during it that bother me the most.
Thanks...