After replacing the suction hose and O ring this morning.......I do feel confident that we are back in the ball park and that the pump is good. You've gotta love a cheap and easy fix!
It was stiff and brittle feeling. On the side up against the block (unable to visualize) there was a SLIGHT amount wetness that was dusted over. I didn't stretch it to look for cracks though. HUGE improvement in performance! Thanks again!