my v3.1.3 not syncing and the fact that I cant download the newer version of Electrum since the highest OSX I can use is Yosemite.
Versions previous to 3.3.0 have been prevented from syncing due to vulnerabilities in the code. Your only option here is to upgrade.
If you are unable to upgrade your macOS, then the best remaining option is going to be to download and use Linux instead. You can do this from a live USB so you don't have to reinstall your main OS.