here's the kicker the truck has been doing this for 3+ years now and its still running strong just have to wait till it warms up

 

It might have just lasted this long before giving you trouble? I installed Edge/Att and found 3psi at idle, installed Airdog to have 17psi at idle about 40k ago and my Vp is still strong. How long did I run on a weak lift pump, I don't know, but I do know Vp's are all different on how long they last with low fuel pressure.

 

These are the same symptoms I had when my VP44 went bad except it threw a code. As soon as I replaced the VP everything was normal again.