Thanks for all the suggestions.

I figured out my fuel problem.

The first thing I did was check the fuel filter. I unscrewed the drain plug and nothing came out. After closer inspection I found I was missing a hose clamp on the line from the filter base to my electric lift pump. When I tugged on it I pulled it almost off the barb fitting. I found a clamp and installed it and since I had already charged the batteries it fired right up like a new truck.

I haven't looked into the battery issue yet. One thing I am planning to do is run a wire between the negative terminals of the batteries. I currently have each battery negative grounded to the engine. One battery negative also goes to the body. I think I may need to install a wire between the frame and the body and between the frame and the engine.