An update...got the truck going by using the "tap the starter technique" that I read about, thanks much. Still wondering if the whole ignition system has been affected by that fused wire. Could this have toasted the ignition coil? And does anyone think a faulty iginiton coil could make the truck lurch and drag like it has been?

Any and all insights appreciated.

Tapping the starter fix probably means your starter solenoid contacts need to be replaced.

A bad ignition coil can make a truck do almost anything bad.