Update: I dropped it off at a local shop to see what they think, and they weren't very helpful. I think the guy took one look at my truck and didn't want to touch my it because an amateur, myself, has been working on it for the past two years. He noticed that the battery terminal ground clamp was a little worn and loose and recommended replacing that. He also said my battery was at 500/850 CCAs and was in need of replacing. He suggested I start with the battery ground to make sure the basics are in place and go from there. I was hoping for a more definite diagnosis at this shop, but I think they just pointed out the first thing wrong and took my 100$. I hope they're right! I don't know if i need a new battery, but I do have a 3 year warranty at advance auto so maybe i will try swapping it out. I will definitely replace the terminal clamp.
Now heres my question. The engine idles a little rough, rough enough to shake the exhaust pipes and cause some noise. But if you grab the throttle and crack it just a little it smooths right out. If my ground is bad, is it possible that all of the sensors aren't getting the correct voltage, thus sending the computer the wrong information and the computer is incorrectly compensating for a condition that doesn't exist? When i apply a little bit of throttle the electrical system is now being provided more voltage and the sensors are giving the correct reading so now the idle smooths out? That's my hypothesis if this ground clamp is really causing a problem.
I'm going to start throwing parts at it every now and then and see if I can track this issue down. I would rather be spending 30-50$ a week on parts than 100$ on a shop to guess on whats wrong. Im going to start with the ground clamp, 02 sensor, fuel filter, fuel pump then move onto the TPS, DPFE, MAF and other electronic parts. The only code thats stored is a 172 Bank 1 Lean code so im going to track down fuel and sensor problems first.