Carb problems? Or Ignition?

[orange72350]

My truck died on me the other day for no apparent reason. After some digging, i realized that there was no spark./ replaced the hei module and the rotor. the truck started then. but only when the choke was open. it idled fine. but really wouldnt run really well under load. it would cough and sputter. so, i parked it on the driveway, and 2 days later, ui went out 2 start it. nothing at all. so, tonite, i drug it in the garage, and started reaplcing stuff.'i did the cap and the coil. it started, but agian only on the choke. so, now it runs, but it bakcfires like a mother and rattles and shakes the crap out of the engine. What gives here? something isnt clicking for me, and im sorta new at this? btw, the engine was running fine until it just died. COuld u guys please help me? yer my last hope before getting raped by a dealership. i really appreciate any help i can get. Thanx alot
dale