Starter failure comes in two popular flavours:
1. multiple clicking from the starter due to inadequate voltage or current flow
2. single click from the starter due to worn out contacts and plunger.

It's possible for the motor to die as well, but this doesn't usually happen until the third or fourth set of contacts.

 

I believe #2 is my problem.. an even bigger problem is just the fact i can't get the damn bolts loose on the starter. I have to head to work so i've given up for today. Thanks everyone for all the help so far.

 

Bolts are easy. One is easily removed from the front of the truck, with about 2ft of extensions.

The other is easily removed after removing the access panel in the fender well, and using a 8" extension or so.

Hardest part of the whole R&R process for me, was getting the inner stud/nut (came out all together) threaded in. I have big hands and big arms!

 

Yeah true, the hardest part is putting it back in, very awkward area lol

 

Putting the new starter in wasn't much of a problem but it's still doing the same thing so the starter wasn't the problem. =/

I'm open to new suggestions.

So far i've:
cleaned the battery posts and wire connections with a wire brush
followed all ground wires and positive wires coming off the battery to make sure they're connected
checked fuses
checked starter relay
replaced starter
also tried jump starting it

All my electrical works but i turn the key and it just clicks once and doesn't make anymore noise.

 

Always worth a quick voltage check to see if the problem is in the starter or the wiring upstream from there:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...shtml#EasyTest

 

I forgot about the voltage meter, i'll have to go pick one up. Ours is on my parent's boat in stockton, ca so it's of no use. Thanks

 

where does it sound like the click is coming from?

 

It sounded like it was coming from the starter but i've found the problem. It was just bad wiring to the starter so the starter wasn't getting enough power. Probably got wet the last time i played in the mud.

Thanks everyone for all your help and thanks for the web references, 4crawler. Walk-through's with pictures really helped me identify what i was looking at.

 

well thats good to hear, now the truck runs again.

 

One more thing though, there is little black rubber tubes that come out of the starter's vent hole. Is that small piece necessary? Mine fell off when i was putting it in and i can't get it back on. lol

 

Mainly there to keep dirt and water out of the drain hole.

 

Yeah, i figured but is it the end of the world if mud just so happens to "splash" up into the little hole?

lol, my truck tends to find it's way into mud holes.

 

could shorten the life of the starter if water, or more so dirt and sand, find their way in there

I'd try to just snag and pocket one off any starter in a junk yard

IIRC, they just kinda push and pop right in

 

well i have one but i couldn't get it to pop back in while working in that tight space. I'll give it a try friday when i have a bit more patience and don't have work.

 

definately elec. man, check your dist. cap, rotor and wires, igniter, ign. coil... do all the basics first like slingblade would.

mine used to do that and then the power would go out and i'd have to go shake the wires around at the batt. - have you looked at your alt. yet?

 

oops didnt see the second page...