Well, I think I've figured it out, or at least narrowed it down a whole bunch. Went out this morning and re-hooked up the positive cable and it was still real touchy.
*Note* I kept driver side door open to watch for interior light to go on and stay on bright, that was the sign I had a good connection.
Still had the same hit and miss results, and just for kicks, I tightened the negative a bit more, and just barely tightening it did the trick for now. I'm not having problems with the gauges clicking on and off like they were before, so we'll see how long it lasts. If I don't post anymore consider the negative/ground the problem.
Hope this helps!