need help with diagnosing no start issue
 

so to begin... i got a 1988 2wd 22re, and it runs good... when it runs. Somethimes it starts and sometimes it doesn't. Most times when it won't start I'll get the "click" and rarely It'll crank (but still no start).

Some things done to truck: prior to purchasing about six months ago the alternator got replaced (checkers refurbished type). It was good had no problems. Then maybe three months later this "no start/ trouble start issue" began. My friend took a look and banged on my starter and it started, so we figured change the starter, and so that's what I did. I replaced it with a (remanufactured bosch starter) hooked everything up and it started on the dime. about two weeks later it started not-starting... AGAIN. So I took the starter back and swaped it for a (denso starter) since I heard these were better. It started right up after installation. Plus I put a brand new battery in during this as well. So now I have a brand new batt, newly remanufactured alt, and starter. It's been about two weeks since I put in the batt and the starter and guess what? It didn't start up yesterday. I banged on the starter but it didn't start, so I'm figuring it's not the starter this time. So after an hour of key turning, and getting just the "clicking" it started "cranking". If I held the key it would "crank", "crank", "crank", and "crank" but not start. The fourth time I did this the "cranks" stoped and it just went back to "clicking". About a half an hour following this it started "cranking" again so I held the key in the on position this time for maybe a full minute playing with the gas at the same time until it just made it and finally started. I drove it straight home about five miles from where it was not starting, turned it off, and turned it right back on with no trouble at all. I have no idea what's going on with my truck. Any ideas as to what wrong with my truck?

could be anything in between get the fsm (factory service manual) and get into the wiring the starter relay make sure everything is hunky Dorry and none of your connectors are bad.
you should get at leat 14.4 volts at the battery from a running alternator and a 100% battery charge is 12.6 volts engine off.

if your voltage is good, try checking for a good strong spark. you might also check the fuel pressure.I had a s-10 that acted like your rig and that was what it turned out to be.

Clean your battery terminals, check your voltage at the starter.

Yes...check that you have battery voltage at the little brown clip on the starter. Also make sure your starter/engine is properly grounded. Jumper cables from the battery to anywhere on the block is a good ground test.

Ignition. 24 years of turning it might have taken its toll.

I have an 88 4x4 with same problem but only in the summer time hear in Phoenix AZ. First make your own remote starter switch. Go to radio shack Get a 125v AC momentary switch find your starter relay and splice the black w/ white wire with spade terminal connectors. plug one end into wire leading away from relay and the other wire off the switch to the battery press the switch. If your vehicle starts it probably is your starter relay. I finally replaced mine part number 28300-35010 from junk yard dealer wanted 174.00 standard motor products is coming out with one part number RY1240 hope this helps if not contact my via email

thanks guys, all the info was really helpful. i will be making my way through your sugestions by level of complexity starting tomm. i'll let you guys know how it goes.