I have fixed the issue! BUT it wasn't what I expected!
I went ahead and I took out the IAC motor and replaced it. I checked the IAC motor by leaving it plugged in. I turned the key on (didnt start the motor) and the little sprint didnt even so much as budge! It wasn't giving off a diagnostic code so maybe the sprint was just not working or something. Went to the local Advance AutoParts and got a new one.
We put it on and it helped...but the truck still didnt sound good. Until I did some more searching and I came across what I BELIEVE is the EGR valve. Its a silver diaphram-looking thing almost completely behind the throttle body. It was CLOSED (the diaphram was pushed upwards).
I know that these are known to fail (and especially on my truck with only 66,000 miles, everything is original and 18 years old) so I took a little screwdriver and popped the diaphram back open and WIOLA! Purrs like a kitty.
The IAC was not totally misfounded because on inital startup, it was a hell of a lot better. But just for kicks I decided to clean the crap out of that valve to make sure it wasnt clogged up.
Not bad for a 19 year old, working on a truck that easily could be the age of his best friend (or girlfriend!) This Automotive student DID learn some things last year, and now hes a happy camper
lol