Ok, so I think i am down to doing a compression check. Now... I have a Hayes Manual and I have read about doing that, however, i just don't feel comfortable doing it. Here's the problem I am having:

I have lack of power during Acceleration. Off the line is ONLY enhanced because of initial torque through all the low gearing. Otherwise, after about 15MPh, the truck just seems to be lacking in available power. Also, she has problems sustaining speeds above 45-50. I either have to get a "Running" start to climb a hill or use the downhill slope to gain speed to climb the next one. I even notice the speed drop off when i am climbing the slight hills on the freeway bridges. It is very very hard to get acceleration when it comes to flooring it on the freeway. If I had to guess, I would say that she is EXTREMELY low on the compression side, and/or she has a bad leak on the Head gasket. Now, I know the low compression could be from rings, or a worn Cam that is holding the intake and the exhaust valves open to long together, but again, I just don't feel I can complete this task myself. I am very handy on my truck, and have completed all repairs to her, i would even rebuild the engine if I had too... but with all the steps the manual states to do, I am not sure i want to undertake that, and Most shops want to charge 300 or so to do this. I am not paying for this, and would much rather have someone show me how to do this. If anyone is in the Hampton Roads Area and wouldn't mind helping me out, please by all means let me know. I can go on base and use the Auto Hobby Shop since they have all the tools you would ever need. I just know that within the last 3-4 months I have gone from 23 Miles per Gallon down to 18 even. This is not good, and it is getting progressively worse quicker as time moves on. Please help.

Thanks

 

A quick way to check this is to take a flashlight under the hood and inspect the timing indicators through the inspections holes of the timing belt cover.

You'll see a triangle on the pulley that lines up with another triangle on the timing back plate. If the indicators on the oil pump pulley are not aligned with camshaft gear indicators, you need to loosen tension in the timing belt and re-adjust appropriately.

If you can't see the indicators when you're looking through the inspections holes, turn the crankshaft with a 22mm socket wrench until it is visible.
Make sure the key is off, and the battery is disconnected before doing this. I would also recommend relieving the fuel system pressure or pulling the plugs before turning the motor by hand, but that's up to you and your "level of safety".

Here you can see the camshaft gear and the oil pump gear connected with the timing belt to the crankshaft (not visible).

 

But how much does the 2.3L vary from the 2.5? I don't recognize some of the things on the front of your engine. I guess I just gotta pull it all off. I don't think I have ever checked timing so I do believe this would be a first. I will give it a shot and see what I might be able to find. I would still feel better if one of the guys from the Hampton roads area would stop by to guide me on, so to speak, if they know how to do this. I am just leary when it comes to disassembling any part of the main engine. It is my only vehical and i can't afford to screw it up! :)