This suggests that either or both of the negative battery cables is bad. The connections might be good, but there can be oxidation/corrosion inside the wire between the ends. Bend the wires here and there, esp. near the terminals, and if you hear any "crunchy" sounds, it's time for a new cable.

Try starting in neutral. Try nudging the shifter from neutral toward Reverse and toward Drive, while holding the key in START (kinda tricky two-hander).

 

Sounds like your starter has a bad starter drive, the little gear at the end, it may throw out all the way but the gear should only spin one way, if it spins both ways, the starter drive is shot.

 

Check your range selector on the left side of the transmission, its a black housing, unplug it and look for anything that is green and corroded. If it does not start in park, try starting it in neutral.

Check your battery connections, unclamp the posts and clean the posts, clean inside the clamps.

Check and clean your ground straps from body to engine, if they are broken, make new ones with decent sized battery cable.

Check wiring condition at your starter relay and all your fuses.

Last thing that comes to mind is a faulty starter switch in your steering column.



If all else fails, then screw it and install a push button switch for the starter redneck style. :P

 

so much fun...I posted that I had found the solenoid wire corroded, cleaned it up and hooked it back up....WELL....apparently, yes after I checked every wire and cleaned/replaced those that I deemed in need, went back to the very wire I mentioned in post #8 and it was 'broken' again. Apparently the 'surge' of electricity is/was enough to render it useless, so I rewired the first wire and it started like it was new.

Thanks to all that helped, I do appreciate you help.

As I mentioned I got a deal on this truck with the intentions of going through it inside and out...Now I feel better knowing I have you folks on board to assist.

Again, Thanks Folks!

John