I borrowed the diagram, so the changes aren't perfect. And, I added some verbiage about the starter cable possibly going directly to the battery.

But, see what you think.

 

Just get a replacement starter for a mid '90's truck with the same engine .
I purchased one for under $54 delivered for my manual transmission 460 truck.
Automatics are under $45

https://www.dbelectrical.com/product...92-96-m-t.html

 

The way it is shown is using parts you already have you would just need to come up with a wire to run from solenoid /relay to starter is all.
KISS is all I have to say
Dave - - - -

 

Yep. I could put the starter cable to the battery because Vern put a high-dollar battery in the truck and it has both the standard post and a smaller stud. But, I doubt I'll go back with the same battery when the time comes so the cable would have to go back to the starter then anyway.

So, I KISS'd it and just ran a new wire. Works great!

 

Guess it depends on your definition of "simple". To me, an extra connection between the battery and starter motor is LESS simple than a direct cable. Since you need a new wire anyway, why not just get a battery cable that's made for a newer truck? Plus, that's fewer terminals stacked on that junction point terminal on the relay, which IMHO is the more "simple" solution. Again, it's all in the interpretation.....

 

I agree with everything that you said but "Since you need a new wire anyway". That's our point - you don't need a new wire. Simply move the starter cable from one lug to the other on the relay.

 

Oh, there's my diesel bias again. I forget that the wire from the relay to the starter is big enough for the starter motor current. So all you really need is a new _small_ wire from the relay to the starter solenoid. Follows the KICK (Keep It Cheap, Kilroy!) principle....

 

Yep. You got it.

 

X2
Dave ----