Crazy high SWR

Ok.. I'm about to pull my hair out.

2016 Crapcadia. General Lee with a Monkey Made 9 .... initially I had EXCELLENT set up, output and ears were phenomenal.
I had a surgery and was out 6 weeks, came back and my truck had been used ONCE for less than 1,000 miles... Yeah, I had left the radio in because they "said" they didn't need my unit.
Upon return I notice that the reception is completely diminished. No distance conversation heard.. no skip.. BUT, I'll start hearing "morse code" beeps then suddenly a faint conversation. Signal gets strong and I see the other party and then they're gone. ONE MILE.

SWR is over 3.

I've tried FOUR radios.
I changed the Cascadia mirror mount to a new one.
I changed the antenna bracket.
I changed the stud.
I changed the coax.
I tried a new 4ft Francis.
I used 2 different mics.

Still over 3. WHY ??

The only option I have left is to run a ground wire to the mirror mount and see if that fixes it.

I'm lost. Am I missing something obvious??

I have some LMR400 on order but the regular coax (3rd piece) is not causing this bad of a reading.

 

Yeah... it's on D

 

Thanks... it's about my last option.
Multiple EVERYTHING and nothing has changed , so I kind of fig'd it must be a ground issue.

What has me perplexed is why it was so good to start with.... then to this.

I'll add a really good ground tmrw and see if that solves it. I will post back here with the new meter readings..

Hoping for some low 1s