I have a pretty good understanding of how the cruise system works. I have replaced the combination switch and removed and inspected the actuator. The one thing I have done that has brought the system back from the dead is swapped out an amplifier from my father-in-laws car (same year and model). Based on that swap (before and after messing with the actuator) I'm pretty well convinced that the amp is the problem.

I'm hoping that someone has had a successful installation of one of these units and can help me out. This thing has been driving me nuts for a while now.