Read through multiple threads... but no luck on a specific problem. I hear a non- stop clicking after the key was turned, under the dash, at the base of the steering column.I had no attempts from the starter to turn the motor over.

Some info on the truck... 1995 Bronco, Auto, 351W, non tilt column. A few day's prior I noticed the truck slightly struggle to turn over...and thought the battery was on the way out. I had no drop or surge in lighting when braking, ect...to indicate the alternator not charging.
I have only owned the truck for about 2 months now...so prior work is unknown.

The ignition/key cylinder is shot...and will turn without the key in it....sometimes. So I will need to address this as well.

First I am going with the obvious...to have the battery checked... replaced with an interstate/ optima red top. The one in it is a cheap auto zone battery, @ 3 y/o.
All connections are clean, and wires are in great shape.

Then I will need to see if I have any parasitic loss through the system.
After that I will need to get the tumbler/key cylinder fixed. On all my prior vehicles, I usually replace the starters with hi tq mini starters, and use a kevlar blanket on them, due to the high heat here in FL. This has all but eliminated burned out starters/solenoids secondary to high heat. I have had big block Chevy motors though...and this was a common problem with them...not sure if this is problematic with the 351W.
For those running a hi tq starter, any suggestions with mfg would be appreciated. Prior I ran Hitachi's without a hitch.

Any suggestions, parts, tips would be appreciated.

TIA for any info, questions, ect.

Some pics for reference...please advise for any odd, or out of place wires, ect. I am not a mechanic...per say... I have done my share of work on vehicles (tune up's, brakes, suspension, coolant systems, ect)...so I'm not completely ignorant to this stuff. Electrical is my weak point.









Here are the starters I have used in the past...not real happy with them being foreign...but they have been extremely reliable.

 

Are you able to hear the fuel pump prime? Sounds like the EEC power relay or the fuel pump relay could be on their way out. The relays are in the under-hood power distribution box though. There is a secondary relay on the starter itself that is triggered by a small red wire with an exposed spade terminal. Since it hangs down off the starter it can take on road crud and actually keep the starter from engaging if it gets filthy. I know it seems too simple and I cannot fully interpret the clicking form the dash unless the sound is carrying up from the relay on the starter.

 

Yeah... the clicking sounds like it's coming from the wire module as above... now it could certainly be transmitted from somewhere else...that's for sure. Once I get the battery tested...replaced....and see if she fires off...I will go from there.
To be honest...I am the type of person to just replace all of it once I find a problem...that just seems to be easier in the long run...because then I know it's done...and done right. The pita is doing one thing at a time...so I don't get stuck trying to troubleshoot multiple problems all at once.
I have not got under the truck either...so who knows what I will find.
I did notice the battery tray is pretty rusted...there a "go to" vendor that is a site sponsor that "everyone" uses?

Thanks for the input... it will help for sure. Always nice to get all info ahead of time... that way I can get a check list of things to look over, replace, or fix as I go.

 

Well it's not the battery...checked out great...on to the starter and relay.