198x frankenrunner - fairly stock, no recent upgrades, latest work has been to replace clutch master and two days later the radiator. drove it the next day and this happened. third problem i've had in a week, and its got me stumped. driving to get a thermal coupling yesterday, and notice the 4wd light is off. and then realized none of the electrical gauges are working, only the fuel and speed. no dash lights, headlights, blinkers. brought it up to advance, said the systems not charging. havent been able to pull alternator to bench test, but when belt snaps and connections are good, i still have gauges and lights, so leaning toward thinking its the fusable link for lack of other ideas. any input would help, its my daily driver

 

Gee, start by visually checking the fuses! Losing the "Engine" fuse will take out the alternator. If you lose a fuse before that (40amp) it's not likely the engine will run.

 

word, i will try that. sorry if its a stupid question, but electrical is NOT my strong point

 

Like Scope says ^^^
You seem to be able to start the engine. Is that correct?

If you're willing to learn and can invest $7 in a multi-meter we can help you.
If you decide to stay non-electrical, then you would have to take the truck to someone else.