so my starting issue may come down to the PCM. IS it possible to pull a PCM out of a similar equipped FX4 and replace mine with it, or will that screw things up. I know next to nothing about computer controlled vehicles.

FYI mine is a 2012 fully loaded FX4 5.0

 

If you do, the vehicle will fail to start until you reprogram the replacement PCM to the truck, including the PATS system.